Some people meet the Klamath Mountains only once or twice in their lives. Others feel the call so strongly that it becomes a kind of compass. Dr. Brad Marston — physicist, professor at Brown University, and our 2025 Volunteer of the Year — is one of those people whose life keeps bending back toward this rugged, rain-washed country.
In this episode of Bigfoot Trail Tales, we sit down with Brad to explore the winding path that brought him from the world of theoretical physics to the deep canyons, marble caverns, and trail corridors of the Klamath Range. Brad talks about his early spark: a geology book that nudged him west in 1985, turning curiosity into a lifelong connection. From that first backpack in the Salmon Mountains to long days of trail work in the Yolla Bollys, he’s carried a scientist’s eye and a trail worker’s heart.
Over the years, Brad has blended both worlds with clarity and wonder. He speaks about the therapy of swinging tools, the joy of wandering off-trail to discover rare plants on Marble Mountain, and the strange beauty of places like the Yellow Bullies where fire, time, and limestone shape whole stories in stone. He’s even woven the mountains into his academic life, sharing how limestone dissolution in the Marbles pulls carbon from the atmosphere — a quiet process of healing hidden inside the range.
Brad also reminds us why long-distance trails matter. They knit ecosystems together. They help wildlife move. They help people understand change, especially in a time when fire is rewriting the map. As he points out, more than half of the Bigfoot Trail has burned since 2015, a living lesson in resilience and transformation.
And behind all of it is a simple truth: trail work is a form of care. It’s physical, grounding, mindful, and joyful — a way of tending the land that has given him so much.
As Brad looks toward retirement, he and his wife hope to move to Northwest California to be closer to the mountains that have shaped him. We could not imagine a more fitting homecoming.
Join us for this conversation — a blend of science, story, stewardship, and the steady pull of a landscape powerful enough to reroute a life’s trajectory.
Transcript Summary
Brad Marston, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, discussed his extensive experience with trail stewardship and his deep connection to the Klamath Mountains. He shared his journey from a physicist to a trail enthusiast, inspired by a book on California geology. Brad highlighted his work with the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, including a memorable trip in the Yellow Bullies and his passion for exploring Marble Mountain. He emphasized the therapeutic benefits of trail work and the importance of long-distance trails for public climate awareness. Brad also expressed his interest in moving to Northwest California to be closer to the Klamath Mountains and continue his trail work.
Introduction to the Podcast
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance congratulates Brad Marston on being the 2025 Volunteer of the Year and thanks him for participating in the podcast.
- Brad shares his background as a physicist and how his scientific mindset shapes his thinking about landscapes and ecosystems.
- Brad recounts his first backpack trip to the Klamath mountains in 1985, inspired by a book on California geology, and his subsequent interest in the area’s geology and ecology.
Trail Stewardship and Mindfulness
- Brad discusses his early trail work experiences as a Boy Scout and with the Sierra Club, which sparked his interest in trail stewardship.
- He describes trail work as therapeutic, providing a mental break from his demanding day-to-day work as a physicist.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance appreciates Brad’s perspective on the mindfulness of trail work, noting its physical challenges and rewards.
- Brad emphasizes the joy of exploring nature and remote areas during his trail work trips, highlighting the therapeutic aspects of being outdoors.
First Experience with Bigfoot Trail Alliance
- Brad recalls hearing about the Bigfoot Trail Alliance online and his desire to give back to the Klamath mountains region.
- He shares his first trail work trip with the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, leading a group across the wilderness to a campsite near the north end of the Yellow Bullies.
- Brad describes the deep wilderness and sense of mystery in the Yellow Bullies, despite its lack of Instagram-worthy landscapes.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance and Brad discuss the changes in the Yellow Bullies since their first visit, noting the positive impact of fires on the area’s beauty.
Favorite Trail Work Moments
- Brad highlights exploring Marble Mountain during a day off, led by Bigfoot Trail Alliance, and discovering rare plants.
- He explains how Marble Mountain’s limestone dissolution process helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a topic he now includes in his research talks.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance and Brad discuss the complexity and beauty of Marble Mountain, with its endless miles of caverns and diverse ecosystems.
- Brad expresses his hope for the Bigfoot Trail to gain national recognition, similar to the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, to encourage more exploration and support local communities.
Impact of Long-Distance Trails
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance and Brad discuss the role of long-distance trails in public climate awareness and ecological literacy.
- Brad emphasizes the importance of protecting trail corridors to link different ecosystems and allow animal migration.
- He notes that hiking long-distance trails provides a firsthand experience of environmental changes, such as increased fire frequency due to climate change.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance shares a student’s data showing that 50% of the Bigfoot Trail has been burned since 2015, highlighting the significant impact of fires on the trail.
Passion for the Pacific Crest Trail
- Brad shares his passion for the Pacific Crest Trail, inspired by hiking the John Muir Trail in 2013.
- He describes the diversity of landscapes along the PCT, from the High Sierra to the Mojave Desert, and his enjoyment of hiking in various regions.
- Brad mentions his goal of completing the PCT, with about 500 miles left in California, and his appreciation for the trail’s beauty and challenges.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance and Brad discuss their favorite sections of the PCT, including the San Gabriels and the desert stretch, and Brad’s hope for a reroute to the Tehachapi.
Future Plans and Move to Northwest California
- Brad and his wife are considering moving to Northwest California, drawn to the natural abundance, friendly people, and proximity to the Klamath mountains.
- He plans to stay active with trail work and other activities as he moves into retirement.
- Brad mentions his upcoming role as president of the American Physical Society, which will keep him busy before his move to Northwest California.
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance expresses appreciation for Brad’s contributions to the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and looks forward to future collaborations.
Leave a Reply