This month, the Bigfoot Trail Alliance crew set out with saws, shovels, and steady determination to assist in reopening a troublesome trail corridors in the Siskiyou backcountry. We worked this area about three years ago, but beyond work downriver by the Del Norte Trails Alliance, no one had been back here in a while. In total, 4.6 miles of trail were restored, reconnecting hikers, wildlife, and watersheds through the simple yet powerful act of clearing a path.
Gunbarrel Trail
On the rugged Gunbarrel Trail, the crew reopened 1 mile of passage. This work included:
- Removing 15 downed logs that blocked the way
- Repairing a short stretch of washed-out tread
- Light brushing to keep vegetation at bay
South Kelsey Trail
The work expanded deeper into the wilderness along the South Kelsey Trail. Over 3.6 miles of trail, the crew:
- Cleared 83 downed logs
- Repaired multiple root-ball slide outs where entire trees had pulled soil downhill
- Brushed back encroaching vegetation
Totals at a Glance
- Miles cleared: 4.6
- Logs removed: 98
Crew Contribution
Behind these numbers is the sweat and teamwork of three dedicated crew members. They contributed 200 hours of fieldwork and an additional 5 hours of administrative time—a testament to the human effort it takes to keep these trails open for everyone to enjoy.
Project Costs
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance invested $5,550 from our general funds to make this work possible. That equates to roughly $1,200 per mile restored—a worthy investment in connecting communities and landscapes through wild pathways.
Every cleared log, every repaired slide out, is a reminder that trails are living threads that bind us to these mountains. Thanks to the hard work of our crew and the support of BFTA members, the Gunbarrel and South Kelsey Trails are once again open to exploration, discovery, and the quiet magic of walking through wild country.
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