California Today

Letters from North Fork Elementary Students Found in High Sierra After 36 Years

12 June 2026 12:25

A remarkable piece of Madera County history has resurfaced after nearly four decades. Anonymous hikers discovered letters written by North Fork Elementary students in 1990, still attached to a balloon, near Bighorn Lake in the High Sierra.

- The letters were launched on January 25, 1990, as part of a classroom project. - Found at an elevation of about 10,000 feet near Mount Reinstein.

- The hikers mailed the letters back to the school, inspired by messages of peace, friendship, and freedom. - The discovery led to a reunion of former students and staff, who launched new letters to inspire future generations.

Tags

MaderaNorth Forkeducationhistorycommunityevents