Russian Wilderness – Siskiyou County, CA | July 14–18, 2025

Twelve adventurous youths, accompanied by three experienced guides(Dave, Liz, and Lily), set out on a five-day backpacking trip through the stunning Russian Wilderness in Siskiyou County, California. The trip offered not only a physical challenge but opportunities for connection, reflection, and discovery that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

The journey began smoothly over the first few miles so the group pressed on and reached their first destination—Siphon Lake. The lake was breathtaking, though the beauty came with a cost: relentless mosquitoes. Spirits remained high, however, especially after meeting a volunteer trail crew from Siskiyou and a wilderness ranger. Liz rejoined the group just before dinner. That night, around midnight, Dave (one of the guides) gave an impromptu mosquito-survival lesson that added some humor to the otherwise itchy situation.

On Day Two, the group hiked to Russian Lake, setting up camp on the far side. The lake provided the perfect spot for swimming and rock jumping—a welcome relief from the summer heat. Mosquitoes remained a challenge, but the group made the best of it, spending the afternoon in and around the water.

Day Three brought a true highlight: a summit hike to a peak above Russian Lake. The view was worth every step, and one brave youth even pushed further to a second peak—successfully and safely. After the hike, the group returned to camp for more swimming and a light-hearted evening that ended with Lilly and Liz creating and teaching a dance routine to the group.

The fourth day was dedicated to a day hike to Dog Lake, a trip that required focus and teamwork. The trail winds down a steep gorge, but the group handled the descent confidently, moving in small groups for safety. At the lake, they were rewarded with perfect swimming conditions, new friends in the form of a kind older couple, and a surprise discovery—salamanders hiding in the shallows. After the challenging return hike, the youths still had enough energy for another swim before dinner. That night, the group gathered around the campfire for marshmallows and unexpectedly deep conversations about how our past shapes who we are today. By all accounts, the discussion “got very heavy and real.”

On the final day, everyone was up by 6 a.m. to pack up and clean their campsites. The youth took ownership of their space and left three spotless campsites ready for the next visitors—an excellent example of stewardship and responsibility. The group hiked out in great time, even faster than their initial journey in. On the trail, they crossed paths with horses and mules, which led to a quick and practical lesson on equestrian etiquette in the wilderness. The trip wrapped up back at Ascend to clean equipment and gear, but it wasn't all doom and gloom, because as soon as everything was clean and put away, the group headed over to Crocketts Up North for sandwiches and ice cream, bringing the trip to an end, the Ascend way.

This incredible journey would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors, grant providers such as National Forest Foundation, RAC grant with the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Outdoor Equity Programs grant, Humboldt Area Foundation, and program partners—including the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest. We’re especially grateful to the 12 enthusiastic youths who brought curiosity and energy to every step of the adventure, and to the two dedicated guides who supported, mentored, and inspired them throughout the entire trip.

This program funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

The National Forest Foundation works on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities.

Learn more at nationalforests.org.