Nine volunteers from the Bigfoot Trail Crew and College of the Redwoods braved a rainy weekend on the Forks of Blue Trail, contributing 192 hours to clear 15 downed logs and heavy brush along a half-mile stretch. Their work restored access, improved safety, and advanced stewardship on Six Rivers National Forest’s Orleans District.
2025 CCC Collaborative
In October 2025, a crew of recent CCC Backcountry Trails Program graduates joined the Bigfoot Trail Alliance to restore two rugged miles of the Ides Cove Loop Trail in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness—reviving long-lost tread, removing 102 fallen logs, and continuing a legacy of stewardship, resilience, and connection to wild places.
Restoring Wild Pathways: September Trailwork Update
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance crew restored 4.6 miles of trail this month, clearing 98 logs and repairing damaged tread on the Gunbarrel and South Kelsey Trails. Three crew members contributed over 200 hours, supported by BFTA funds. Every mile reopened reconnects people with the wild heart of the Klamath Mountains.
Ken Graves and the Heart of Backcountry Trail Work
In this episode, Ken Graves shares reflections from a lifetime in the saddle, the evolving challenges of maintaining wilderness trails, and why he’s committed to mentoring the next generation of packers. It’s a heartfelt look at the labor, love, and legacy behind trail stewardship.
Reclaiming the Trail: Two Weeks of Wilderness Stewardship in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness
Over two weeks in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, 28 Bigfoot Trail Alliance volunteers restored 6.8 miles of trail from the Ides Cove Trailhead. Supported by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ken Graves, and the Backcountry Horsemen of California, the crew cleared 139 logs and rebuilt fire-damaged trail with hand tools.
Bringing Back the McNeil Creek Trail
In June, Bigfoot Trail Alliance volunteers, supported by the Klamath National Forest, restored 6 miles of McNeil Creek Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Battling downed trees and fire-damaged tread, the crew re-established access to this remote and scenic stretch of the Bigfoot Trail through dedicated backcountry trail work.
Trail Work in the Marble Mountains
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance crew cleared 4.5 miles of trail from Lover’s Camp to Marble Valley, removing 56 logs—including a massive 46-inch cedar. Though snow blocked access to Wooley Creek, the team rerouted efforts to clear nearby trails, including Sky High Lakes and Little Marble Valley, ensuring safer access for hikers.
Clearing the Way: Trail Restoration in the Marble Mountains on the Let’er Buck Trail
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance, in partnership with Ascend Wilderness Experience, restored 4+ miles of the Let’er Buck and Haypress Meadow Trails in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Volunteers cleared 150+ logs, restored tread, and brushed overgrown sections. Shared camp and meals fostered connection as crews contributed over 75 hours to this meaningful backcountry effort.
