This summer, eight teens joined scientists and mentors in the Trinity Alps for a field internship. Together they learned vegetation survey methods, collected plant specimens for Cal Poly Humboldt’s Herbarium, and explored watershed health and fire resiliency. The trip blended science, stewardship, mentorship, and wilderness skills in a living classroom.
Reestablishing the Hazel Trail: A Partnership Rooted in History and Culture
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance joined the Hoopa Valley TANF Program, elders, and youth to restore a historic hazel trail in the Klamath Mountains. Long used for basketry, hazel connects culture and ecology. Reviving the trail renewed access, strengthened traditions, and deepened relationships across generations.
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.
Intentional Hiking: A Trail For the Trees
Board President Michael Kauffmann joined Renee Patrick at Intentional Hiking to discuss the Bigfoot Trail.
Ron Crete and the BFT
It is a hard trail, as we learned in our last hiker report post. Ron Crete has been working at hiking it all for a few years and here is his report from these adventures. We appreciate his take on the trail and what it takes to hike it. Questions for Ron? Email him.
Hiking the BFT in 2023
October 2023 Update All routes and trails are open. There is some snow on the highest north-facing slopes. Great time to be out! September 2023 Update Active fires are all across northwest California right now…most of the trail is closed. June 2023 Update Current conditions include regular afternoon thunderstorms, fast moving creeks and rivers, along […]
2022 Bigfoot Trail Siskiyou Wilderness Collaborative
OCTOBER 2022: This collaborative includes working with the CCC Backcountry Trails Program, Six Rivers National Forest, and other volunteers to work the Kelsey Trail in the Siskiyou Wilderness clearing approximately 6 miles of trail including brushing, tread work, and downed tree removal.
Mark Schramm
Thru-Hiking Journal Mark Schramm, from Medford, Oregon, completed his 2020 thru-hike in mid-July by combining the Bigfoot Trail and Trinity Alps High Route. He began on June 20th and finished on July 19th. During a phone conversation he reported a fabulous trip highlighted by seeing barely anyone along the trail (outside the Pacific Crest Trail […]
