In mid-August of 2020, lightning ignited a series of fires in the North Coast Range. These fires eventually merged into the mega August Complex. The fires were estimated to have burned over 1,000,000 acres. The fires consumed a variety of vegetation across seven counties and parts of Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers national forests. This is now the largest fire in state history. It also burned along the Bigfoot Trail. In late April 2021, Ken Taylor ventured out to see what affects the fires had on the trail through the wilderness. What follows is a photographic journey thanks to Ken’s efforts.
If you venture into the wilderness this summer, know that there will be significant trail work efforts but this may not reach the depths of the wilderness where the Bigfoot Trail traverses. Travel through burned areas with caution!
Ridgeline north of The Knob. 
Ridgeline north of The Knob. 
Much of the ceanothus we cut out in 2018 burned. 
Ridgeline just south of Robinson Creek. 
Robinson Creek. 
This giant incense-cedar was consumed by the high intensity burn just north of Robinson Creek. 
Looking toward North Yolla Bolly Peak. 
High intensity south of North Yolla Bolly Springs.
Widow makin snags everywhere!
Thanks for the photos. I was in charge of maintaining that stretch of trail during the 1980s (north to Robinson Creek). We had it looking good, weathered a pretty hefty thunderstorm on the ridge, and saw my largest rattler on it…heard it from 30 yards before I saw it.
I followed Robinson Creek from the ridge down to the Middle Fork Eel, then up to Frying Pan Meadow sometime early on. I remember some wonderful groves of cottonwoods along the creek.
I hope to get to Shell Mountain early July and see what can be seen.
Thanks again.
The trails might be clear, but what about water sources?