MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — The 30th annual Nome Cult Walk from Chico through the Mendocino National Forest to Round Valley begins this weekend and continues through Sept. 20.

Forest officials advise motorists along the trail route — M4 Road, County Road 55 and FH7 into Eel River Station and Covelo — to be aware of the event this week and to drive slowly to ensure the safety of pedestrians. 

Caution signs will be posted at the entrance to the national forest, and the walkers’ support team will also have caution signs on their vehicles.

The planned schedule is:

• Sunday, Sept. 14, begin walk toward Orland.
• Monday, Sept. 15, walk toward Newville Cemetery.
• Tuesday, Sept. 16, walk to Black Bear Campground.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17, continue to Log Springs.
• Thursday, Sept. 18, walk to Wells Cabin.
• Friday, Sept. 19, walk to Eel River Campground.
• Saturday, Sept. 20, finish walk to Round Valley Indian Reservation.

In 1863, 461 Native Americans were forced to march 100 miles to Covelo and only 277 survived. 

Today the commemorative Nome Cult Walk brings together many generations and members of several tribes in the area, including descendants of the Concow Maidu, the Round Valley Indian Tribes, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, Berry Creek Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California, Redding Rancheria, Grindstone Nomlaki, the Mechoopda Tribe, Pit River, Wintu, Nisenan and Greenville Maidu.

Also, this year the Mechoopda Indian Tribe and Chico State University will hold a public event at 2p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Chico State University’s Colusa Hall.

More information about the event and the Nome Cult Walk can be found on the group’s Facebook Page.