(Photo: USFS Representative, Dustin, talking to wilderness career interns)
In late July(July 21-25), our team of eight teens and two wilderness guides(Dave and Andrew) set out into California's stunning Trinity Alps Wilderness for a five-day backpacking adventure designed not just to explore wild places, but to explore wilderness careers as well. Our route took us from the Long Canyon trailhead up through Siligo Meadows and around the Four Lakes Loop, with each day blending hands-on skill-building, career exploration, and backcountry challenge.
Day 1 – Into Long Canyon
We kicked off our trip with a 3.5-mile hike into Long Canyon Meadows, where we set up our first camp. That afternoon, the group was joined by Liz, a professional botanist, who guided the group through a hands-on exploration of local tree species, geology, and growth patterns in the ecosystem around us. That evening, Liz shared her journey into the field of botany—offering insight into how curiosity, education, and time in the field shaped her career.
Day 2 – Into Siligo Meadows
After saying goodbye to Liz (and Lily), the group packed up and continued on to Siligo Meadows, gaining more elevation but only covering about 2.5 miles. This would be our base for the rest of the trip. Once camp was set, the focus shifted to wilderness skills: knot tying, group leadership, and peer-guided activities. Each of the seven teens took turns leading the group in a game or reflection over the course of the week. Dave also introduced a writing prompt: "What does the wilderness mean to you?"—which sparked some meaningful journaling and discussion. Later that evening, Dustin, a Forest Service wilderness ranger, joined us in camp.
Day 3 – Siligo Peak and the Four Lakes Loop
Wednesday brought the group’s biggest adventure of the trip: a 10-mile day hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Before setting off, Dustin led a group talk about wilderness patrol, land stewardship, and careers in federal land management agencies. From there, the group summited Siligo Peak and circled the Four Lakes Loop—an epic hike with sweeping alpine views and crystal-clear lakes. It was a challenging push that tested everyone’s endurance (and in one teen’s case, the durability of their shoes, which had to be duct-taped together by the end). Spirits stayed high, and everyone finished the day proud and exhausted.
Day 4 – Skills and Reflections
Thursday was a rest day at camp, focused on practical skills and deeper conversations. Dave and Andrew led a Wilderness First Aid training, introducing the basics of injury response and backcountry medical care—an area several teens said was a highlight. That evening, we held a “heart circle,” where each teen posed a discussion question to the group. Some were playful, others serious, but all created space for connection and reflection under the open sky.
Day 5 – Hike Out and Horsepack Meetup
The group packed up camp and began their hike back out of Siligo Meadows. On the trail, they were met by Katie and Matt—professional packers—who shared about their work with mules in wilderness areas and what it takes to maintain trails and move supplies in remote backcountry terrain. Their stories offered a fascinating look at an often-overlooked wilderness career, and their arrival with ice-cold sodas for the group added an unforgettable surprise to cap off the trip.
Final Thoughts
Over five days in the Trinity Alps, these teens hiked challenging miles, learned backcountry skills, explored career paths in wilderness fields, and formed a tight-knit community through shared experience. The trip was more than just an outdoor adventure—it was a hands-on introduction to the world of conservation, stewardship, and life in the wild.
(Pictures are slightly out of order, apologies)
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, and the Outdoor Equity Programs grant, and program partners—including the U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Elizabeth McGee. We’re especially grateful to the eight enthusiastic teens 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