WILLOWS, Calif. – The 30th annual Nome Cult Walk is set to begin this weekend, stretching from Chico through the Mendocino National Forest to Round Valley. The event will run between September 14 and September 20.
The United States Forest Service – Mendocino National Forest is advising motorists along the trail route, which includes M4 Road, County Road 55, and FH7 into Eel River Station and Covelo, to exercise caution.
Drivers are encouraged to be mindful of pedestrians and drive slowly for their safety. Caution signs will be placed at the entrance to the national forest, and walkers’ support vehicles will also display caution signs.
The schedule for the walk is as follows:
On Sunday, Sept. 14, participants will begin the walk toward Orland. The walk will continue toward Newville Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 15, and to Black Bear Campground on Tuesday, Sept. 16.On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the walkers will head to Log Springs, followed by Wells Cabin on Thursday, Sept. 18. The walk will proceed to Eel River Campground on Friday, Sept. 19, and conclude at the Round Valley Indian Reservation on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The Nome Cult Walk commemorates a tragic event from 1863 when 461 Native Americans were forced to march 100 miles to Covelo, with only 277 surviving.
United States Forest Service – Mendocino National Forest
Today, the walk brings together many generations and members of several tribes, including descendants of the Concow Maidu, Round Valley Indian Tribes, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, and others.
Additionally, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe and Chico State University will host a public event at 2 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Chico State University Colusa Hall.
For more information about the event and the Nome Cult Walk, visit the group’s Facebook page.