In 2026, Bigfoot Trail Alliance crews and volunteers worked 78.6 miles of trail and removed 707 trees across the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Nearly 1,000 volunteer hours strengthened this effort. With support from the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests, we’re restoring connections across this remarkable landscape—and there’s more ahead.
A Season on the Trail: Celebrating Our 2026 Seasonal Crew
As summer winds down, we’re celebrating the Bigfoot Trail Alliance’s 2026 seasonal crew and their remarkable work across the Klamath Mountains. From clearing fallen trees to reopening remote wilderness trails, their season has strengthened access, stewardship, and connection to some of the wildest public lands in our region.
Trail Work in the Trinity Alps – 2026
Bigfoot Trail Alliance expanded its 2026 trail work into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Seasonal crews and volunteers worked 5.3 miles of trail, removed more than 154 logs, and cleared heavy brush on the Packers Peak–McNeal Creek and Boulder Creek–Stuarts Fork routes, building on work elsewhere across the Klamath Mountains.
Blue Creek Trail Restoration
More than 10 miles of the Blue Creek Trail are open again thanks to a summer of collaboration between the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, Siskiyou Mountain Club, Six Rivers National Forest, seasonal crews, and volunteers. Together, crews removed hundreds of logs, cleared vegetation, repaired tread, and reconnected this remarkable trail.
Connecting Youth, Careers, and the Klamath Mountains
Since 2020, support from the S.H. Cowell Foundation has helped youth stewardship grow into the Klamath Mountains Workforce Training Network. Today, regional partners connect young people with hands-on conservation experiences, professional mentors, friendships, and pathways into natural-resource careers. Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are open through September 25.
From Conifers to Careers: The Bigfoot Trail Alliance on The Jefferson Exchange
From studying the remarkable conifers of the Klamath Mountains to creating opportunities for the next generation, Michael Kauffmann shares how curiosity, stewardship, and love of place can grow into meaningful careers.
Klamath Mountains Workforce Training Network:
https://www.bigfoottrail.org/youth-stewardship/workforce-training/
The Klamath Mountains: A Natural History:
https://backcountrypress.com/book/the-klamath-mountains-a-natural-history/
Walking the Bigfoot Trail for the Trees
Zach Shein set out on the Bigfoot Trail with one great motivation: trees. Along the way, he encountered rare conifers, rugged terrain, burn scars, brush, poison oak, and unexpected setbacks. Through curiosity, resilience, and a deep love of forests, Zach kept moving and completed an unforgettable Klamath Mountains journey.
Deep into the Siskiyous: Donate to help restore a Forgotten Trail
The CCC Collaborative brings exceptional California Conservation Corps graduates together for one final backcountry mission: restoring 22 miles of the historic Kelsey National Recreation Trail, part of the Bigfoot Trail. Your support helps train future conservation leaders while reopening remote wilderness trails and strengthening stewardship across the Klamath Mountains.