Snow in June wasn’t on our bingo card for 2025, but that’s exactly what our Wilderness Conservation Corps interns got on their hitch last week on the Pacific Crest Trail. They've been put through a bit of climatic whiplash, coming from 90-degree heat in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness not long ago. "It isn't want anyone was expecting," said crew leader Tiffani Ayres.
This hitch taught the crew lessons in versatility and adaptability. Starting work from Etna Summit TH, they cut logs headed north to Shelly Meadows (about 10.5 miles), but soon realized that the brush would draw much of their focus. "They learned more about mental toughness to pivot and change," Tiffani says. It was "a good learning experience for them." For the following three days, the crew clipped brush from the Marble Mountain Wilderness boundary to Bear Cub Springs (just over 5 miles).
In contrast to some of the seldom visited areas we work, such as the Kalmiopsis, this section of the PCT receives quite a lot of traffic. As the interns toiled away, it was a big morale boost to hear encouragement and gratitude from passing hikers. They also received praise from Salmon/Scott Ranger District Recreation Officer Sarah Borman, who was so pleased with the work of the crew that she gave them any extra assignment to clear trail down to nearby Onion Camp, a location frequented by hunters in the fall.
After some grueling days of brushing, Tiffani rewarded the crew with an easy day, and invited them to go swim at a nearby lake in the afternoon. But that's right when the snow rolled in, and things got cold. "Not everyone participated," Tiffani jokes.
The crew is now resting up and preparing for their next trip, as well as getting ready to welcome another batch of interns to the fold. Our second crew will start onboarding in just a few days, and head out to the Upper Chetco Trail in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness for their orientation.
Stay tuned for more updates on our work this summer season, and thanks to our partners at the Klamath National Forest for support on this project.
Photos in this post were provided by Tiffani Ayres and Leah Doeden.