Wailaki Tribe Opposes Great Redwood Trail Construction
The Wailaki tribe is raising concerns about the 307-mile trail's impact on sacred sites in Northern California.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hiking
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The Wailaki tribe is challenging the development of the Great Redwood Trail, a 307-mile project spanning from San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay. While construction is 40 percent complete, critics express concern over the path's proximity to ancestral grave sites.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the intersection of public recreation access and the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage in California. While supporters emphasize the potential economic benefits for small towns along the route, the tribe advocates for preserving sacred land.
Current project data shows the 307-mile trail is 40 percent complete, with southern segments reporting 1 million visitors last year. The regulatory impact remains unresolved, as the project holds an exemption from standard environmental review requirements.
The players
Wailaki tribe
A Northern California Indigenous group currently opposing the trail's path due to concerns over sacred ancestral grave sites.
Great Redwood Trail Agency
The state-established entity responsible for managing the construction and development of the 307-mile trail.
Steve Madrone
A former Humboldt County supervisor who stepped down from his role at the trail agency earlier this year.
The details
The project repurposes the route of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, which closed in 1998, to create a multi-use nature trail along the Eel River. Following the creation of the Great Redwood Trail Agency in 2021, the trail received a legislative exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. This exemption allows the project to move forward without the standard environmental and cultural reviews usually required for large-scale land development in the state.
Timeline
1998: The Northwestern Pacific Railroad permanently closed.
2021: The Great Redwood Trail Agency was officially established.
Last year: Over 1 million people visited the southern trail segment.
Earlier this year: Steve Madrone resigned from his position at the trail agency.
Health Landscape
The development of the Great Redwood Trail follows a national trend of converting defunct railway corridors into recreational paths to encourage physical activity. This project specifically circumvents the California Environmental Quality Act, complicating the balance between public health infrastructure and tribal land sovereignty.
Residents planning to use the trail should remain aware that the project is still under development, with ongoing debates regarding land access. Those concerned about the cultural or environmental impact of such projects may wish to monitor future public hearings through local agency announcements.
The takeaway
Accessing nature trails can provide significant cardiovascular benefits, though understanding the history of the land you traverse is an important part of responsible recreation. If you have concerns about land-use planning in your area, contact your local representative to stay informed on future development projects.
Further reading
For more on how public land use impacts local wellbeing, visit the Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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Should your local government prioritize protecting ancestral lands over building new public recreational trails?
