Author: ascend

Everyone has been eagerly waiting, and we’re excited to share that we are in the final stages of confirming details for our 2026 season. This year’s lineup includes two outstanding adult stewardship trips, one in May and another in September, bookending the season. We’re also planning five teen trips, consisting of one weekend program, two five-day trips, and two immersive seven-day experiences. In addition, we have two possible youth trips scheduled, though this opportunity is contingent upon securing the remaining funding.

ADULT TRIPS:

Ascend’s 2026 Adult Backcountry Stewardship season features two immersive, week-long opportunities for volunteers to give back to Northern California’s wilderness while experiencing some of its most remote and spectacular landscapes. Kicking off the season, the May 31–June 6 trip takes place in the Marble Mountain Wilderness along the Haypress Trail and nearby routes, where up to 12 participants will engage in hands-on trail stewardship, including logouts, brush clearing, tread repair, and corridor restoration.

This early-season work helps improve access and long-term sustainability in a rugged backcountry setting. Later in the season, September 5–11, Ascend returns to the Trinity Alps Wilderness for a second stewardship experience in the Poison Canyon trail system. With pack support provided, participants will basecamp at Lily Pad Lake and spend the week working throughout the surrounding cirque in a landscape shaped by fire and recovery. Daily stewardship projects will be balanced with time to enjoy pristine alpine lakes, expansive views, and quiet moments of reflection.

TEEN TRIPS:

Ascend’s 2026 Teen Stewardship and Science season offers a progression of immersive, place-based experiences that engage youth in hands-on conservation, field science, and wilderness leadership across Northern California’s most iconic landscapes. The season begins May 23–25 in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, where 12–15 teens will rehabilitate the Haypress and Stanshaw Trails within the McCash Fire footprint. This work will prepare the trails to stock-passable standards in coordination with Six Rivers National Forest staff and the Bigfoot Trail Alliance, supporting a seamless transition to Ascend’s following adult stewardship efforts on the Haypress Trail.

From June 20–27, a smaller crew of eight teen interns will return to the Trinity Alps Wilderness for a seventh-day immersion focused on the Boulder Lakes Trail System, continuing Ascend’s fourth consecutive year of post–River Complex Fire trail restoration. This work is part of a coordinated, multi-year approach that pairs teen crews with adult volunteer stewardship trips to address long-term fire impacts in this heavily used wilderness area.

In July, the focus shifts from tools to science. From July 6–10, twelve teens will participate in a field science immersion in the Scott Mountain area of the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests, working alongside California Department of Fish and Wildlife and regional scientists. Teens will assist with amphibian recovery actions for Cascades Frogs and Long-toed Salamanders, invasive fish removal, aquatic hexapodal and cryptogam studies, and terrestrial arthropod surveys, gaining hands-on experience in applied conservation research.

Stewardship returns to the Marble Mountain Wilderness July 27–31, where twelve teen stewards will focus on post-fire trail repair and drainage improvements to protect fragile soils, support natural regeneration, and maintain safe wilderness access. This trip is directed by U.S. Forest Service leadership and facilitated in partnership with the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and SWRC’s Youth Environmental Summer Stewardship (YESS) interns, fostering cross-community connections among youth in the Klamath Mountains.

The season culminates August 3–9 with a 7-day Stoddard/Doe Lakes Packers Trip, where teens will gain hands-on experience working with pack animals while completing trail maintenance and campsite restoration in remote backcountry settings. Participants will learn animal care, packing techniques, wilderness travel, and trail etiquette, while building teamwork, stewardship skills, and a deeper understanding of how pack animals support access and care for public lands.

YOUTH TRIPS:

Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming two youth trips. The first potential trip will be for ages 10-12, July 9-13. The second trip will be for ages 12-14, July 20-24. The youth trips are contingent on funding being approved this Spring.

As we approach the giving season, we invite you to consider supporting Ascend Wilderness Experience with a donation. Your generous contribution will help us execute our summer programs in, providing youth, teens, and adults throughout the region with the opportunity to explore and connect with the wilderness.

In addition to supporting our life-changing outdoor programs, your donation will also help fund our ongoing trail stewardship efforts and a community gear library located at our Weaverville office. These initiatives ensure that people of all ages can enjoy and access our beautiful local trails for years to come. Whether through backpacking trips, outdoor education, or conservation work, your support makes a lasting impact on both individuals and the land.

Thank you for considering a donation to Ascend this season. Together, we can continue to inspire and protect the wild places we cherish.

In the depths of fall, a hardy crew of eleven—two Ascend Wilderness guides, nine volunteers from across the Bay Area, North Coast, and Central Valley, and one Shasta-Trinity U.S. Forest Service representative—set out for a week of stewardship and adventure in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Their mission: to restore and reopen the Boulder Creek Trail, a rugged and scenic route connecting Boulder Lakes to Lion and Foster Lakes and the Union Creek drainage.

The group’s arrival was marked by blue skies and sunshine—an auspicious start before the skies opened up for nearly five straight days of steady rain. Even as tents dripped and gear steamed by the campfire, spirits stayed high. Each evening, a warm fire was coaxed to life, stories and laughter echoed through camp, and hot-steaming meals kept everyone fueled for the next day’s efforts, that and the morning coffee. 

Despite the weather, the team accomplished an impressive amount of trail restoration. Over 6.5 miles of trail were monitored and maintained, 75 downed logs were removed, 2.75 miles were brushed and cleared, and 3 miles of tread were retreaded and improved. Much of the work took place between Conway Lake and the Foster Divide—a section heavily damaged by wildfire where the original trail had to be rediscovered, flagged, and rebuilt. It was slow, gritty work, often guided by GPS and instinct more than visible tread, but the results were deeply rewarding.

The crew was supported by the Backcountry Horsemen of Northern California, who provided pack mules to carry tools and supplies into the backcountry. Even when fallen trees delayed the mules’ return trip, the group stayed upbeat, finding resourceful ways to keep camp comfortable and the work moving forward.

Along the way, there were moments of wonder: glimpses of Lion, Conway, and Foster Lakes glimmering between clouds; abundant wild elderberries ripening along the trail; and the return of sunshine on the last day, bookending a challenging but unforgettable week.

By week’s end, the Boulder Creek Trail was open and passable again—a gift to future hikers, anglers, and backpackers exploring the Trinity Alps. What began as a rain-soaked test of endurance became a story of teamwork, resilience, and shared purpose. The camaraderie forged around the campfire, the sense of accomplishment after each massive log was cleared, and the beauty of the wilderness itself made it a trip no one will soon forget.

These trips wouldn’t be possible without support and funding by the U.S. Forest Service, Shasta Trinity National Forest, and the State Parks & Recreation  Outdoor Equity Program Grant (created by AB 209) and all of our wonderful donors, and of course our beloved collaborators such as Bigfoot Trail Alliance, Back Country Horsemen of Northern California, and the Shasta-Trinity US National Forest.

This summer, Ascend Wilderness Experience led an unforgettable five-day Teen Field Science Trip deep into the heart of Northern California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. The expedition brought together eight adventurous teens, two experienced guides, and a professional botanist, creating a dynamic and immersive outdoor classroom that stretched over 30+ miles of remote trails and through some of the most biologically rich areas of the Klamath Mountains.

The group hiked through alpine basins, meandered past snowmelt-fed streams, and explored high-elevation ecosystems around Horseshoe Lake, Ward Lake, and Landers Lake.

In the Parker Creek drainage off Swift Creek, the teens participated in real-world ecological monitoring, joining forces with botanists from Cal Poly to establish vegetation plots for scientific study, and were joined by Michael Kauffmann—author, educator, ecologist, and founder of the Bigfoot Trail Alliance—whose passion for wild plants and wilderness education is contagious. Using the relevé method, they identified and recorded all plant species within specific plot boundaries. This classic ecological survey technique helps document biodiversity, monitor changes in plant communities, and detect the presence of rare or endemic species. The students helped flag plot corners, take measurements, and learn the careful process of distinguishing plant species—some of which they were seeing for the very first time.

The work wasn’t just about species identification—it was a masterclass in ecological relationships. The botanists explained how plant communities shift with elevation, exposure, soil type, and climate, and encouraged teens to ask questions and explore the deeper "why" behind what they observed. That curiosity was rewarded: the group encountered rare wildflowers and unusual high-elevation tree species, providing moments of awe and discovery that no textbook can replicate.

Solitude monitoring was also a key part of the adventure. Teens learned to observe and log signs of human presence on the trail—an essential practice in wilderness management and conservation. These quiet moments of reflection were often when deeper conversations emerged, with students and guides asking the visiting scientists about their paths into botany and ecology. Each story was different—one started out as a hobby forager, another stumbled into botany after taking an elective class—but all shared a common theme: a love for the outdoors that blossomed into a meaningful, impactful career.

As much as the teens learned, the experience was just as enriching for the guides and scientists. “Watching the students interact with the botanists, seeing their excitement grow as they began to recognize plants and understand ecosystems—it was powerful,” one guide reflected. “This is how careers are sparked. This is how you plant seeds of stewardship and curiosity that can last a lifetime.”

In addition to the scientific exploration and hiking, the teens enjoyed plenty of fun and bonding time throughout the trip. After long days on the trail and in the field, they cooled off with refreshing swims in the pristine alpine lakes and creeks, some brave enough to jump into the icy waters more than once! Evenings were filled with laughter, shared meals, and late-night games that brought the group closer together. Around the campfire and under the stars, they also engaged in meaningful discussions about Leave No Trace principles, learning how to minimize their impact on the wilderness and why ethical outdoor practices are essential to preserving these wild places for future generations. These moments of connection and reflection added balance to the trip, making it not just educational but deeply enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

The Teen Field Science Trip wasn't just an adventure through the Trinity Alps—it was a journey into the living world of science, ecology, and possibility. For many participants, it marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with nature and the sciences that help us understand and protect it.

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, Cal Poly Humboldt, Michael Kauffmann, 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.

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.