Sign up for a volunteer vacation in 2026

June 6–13 · Backcountry Trail Project

Trip Leader: Petr Fleischmann

BACKCOUNTRY · 7 DAYS

This seven-day backcountry project begins at a remote trailhead north of Covelo, California, with support from the Mendocino National Forest. Volunteers are invited into the living heart of the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, a landscape shaped by steep canyons, big forests, and deep silence.

Participants will be packed by horse from Green Springs Trailhead to a wilderness camp approximately three miles in, where food and essential camp supplies are provided. From this base, we’ll spend our days caring for trails that thread through mature forests and connect people to this remote corner of Northern California.

All meals are included throughout the week, along with the shared rhythm of hard work, learning, and camaraderie. Evenings offer time to rest, reflect, and experience the quiet wonder that only long days in the wilderness can bring.

Important note: Daily trail work will require carrying a backpack into the wilderness along with tools to and from the job site. Participants should be comfortable hiking with weight over uneven terrain and spending full days engaged in physical outdoor work.

September 4–7 · Forks of Blue Trail (Car-Camping Trailwork Adventure)

Trip Leader: Jacob Shinners

SISKIYOU WILDERNESS · UP TO 4 DAYS (CAR CAMPING)

Join us for a long weekend of hands-on stewardship on the Forks of Blue Trail in the Siskiyou Wilderness, where Bigfoot Trail Alliance crews have been steadily reopening a rugged, rain-soaked corridor.

From our car-camping basecamp, we’ll head out each day with tools and day packs to tackle the work that keeps a trail alive: brushing back dense vegetation, clearing downed logs, and improving tread and drainage in places where water and time are always trying to pull the route back into the forest.

Bigfoot Trail Alliance will provide all breakfasts and dinners—warm fuel for wet boots, good conversation, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from leaving a path clearer than you found it.

Important note: While this is a car-camping trip, daily trailwork may involve moderate hiking with tools and day packs and full days outdoors in variable early-fall conditions (heat, rain, and the occasional smoky horizon are all possible).

September 19–25 · Backcountry Trail Project

Trip Leader: Jacob Shinners

BACKCOUNTRY · UP TO 7 DAYS

This backcountry project invites volunteers into the rugged and beautiful Siskiyou Wilderness, where we’ll establish camp along a wilderness reach of the Smith River, just 1.5 miles from the trailhead. This accessible base camp offers a rare opportunity.

From camp, we’ll focus our efforts on the Bigfoot Trail, working both downriver and upstream toward Baldy Peak. These trail segments pass through steep river canyons, old forests, and high ridgelines, improving access through one of Northern California’s most scenic and wild landscapes.

Participants are welcome to join for the full project or for select portions, making this trip flexible while still offering a meaningful backcountry experience.

Backpacking dinners will be provided. Participants should plan to bring their own breakfasts and lunches, along with personal gear for backcountry camping.

Important note: While the hike to camp is relatively short, daily work will require carrying a backpack and trail tools along the Bigfoot Trail over rugged terrain. Participants should be comfortable hiking with weight and spending full days engaged in physical outdoor work.