Wendy Lautner - Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California

Map Key

Trail Name

Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California

1st EDITION 2010

Copyright 2010 by Wendy Lautner

Front cover photograph 2010 by Wendy Lautner (main) and Greg Speicher (inset)

Interior photographs by Wendy Lautner

Maps by Scott McGrew and Wendy Lautner

Cover design by Scott McGrew

Book design by Ian Szymkowiak/Palace Press International

ISBN 978-0-89997-507-8

Manufactured in the United States of America

Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information. Distributed by Publishers Group West

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.

SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions, know your own limitations, and consult a map.

To everyoneveteran hikers and newbies alike who wishes to explore this beautiful place we call the Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California

To Greg Speicher, without whose love and support writing this book would not have been possible

Acknowledgments

I MUST BEGIN BY ACKNOWLEDGING my first editor at Menasha Ridge Press, Russell Helms, who offered me the amazing opportunity to spend the better part of the past year hiking around Northern California and call it work. Russell, I cant thank you enough for offering me such an incredible job. I must also thank my second editor at Menasha Ridge, Molly Merkle, whose editing expertise, thoughtful questions, and perspective greatly improved the content of my hike descriptions. Her friendliness and positive attitude helped ease the stress associated with finishing a book. I am deeply grateful as well to author Jeffrey Schaffer, whose books on the Pacific Crest Trail helped me immensely with my research.

While hiking and writing are second nature to me, mapping is not (despite that geography degree from Humboldt State University). I owe the accuracy and detail of these maps to Menasha Ridge cartography guru Scott McGrew and also to my father, Ben Lautner, who spent one very long day with me at the computer working out the bugs of my GPS unit and mapping software. My dads curiosity about and interest in all that I do have been a driving force in helping me complete this book, and to him I am forever grateful. My mom, Carol Lautner, has also been an enormous fountain of inspiration; without her creative license on life and the dreams she instilled in me as a child (while we took long walks on the beaches of Lake Michigan), I may never have realized this dream.

In addition, Id like to thank the following hiking and trail-running gurus who shared their expertise: Rachael Woods, who works at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and spends her summers running around on the trails near Lake Tahoe; Squarrel, who gave me advice on packing light; Kate Reid, who recommended that I add Clark Fork to the ; and all the helpful rangers I met along the way.

Finally, Id like to thank my trail partners: my sister, Sandra Parkhurst; Kelly Boire; Mali; Carson; and, most of all, my right-hand man and the love of my life, Greg Speicher. Not only did he join me on almost every step of my journey in researching this book, but his curiosity, undying support, and zest for life made this project one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thank you so much, Greg.

Preface

T HE P ACIFIC C REST T RAIL WAS D ESIGNATED as one of the first National Scenic Trails way back in 1968. As it traverses the high road from Mexico to Canada, incredible views are not only commonplace but also uniquely diverse, because the trail connects six of North Americas seven eco-zones. The PCTs familiar, well-worn path is a special place for hikers from all walks of life on walks of all lengths and for all reasons.

In my travels on the PCT and surrounding connector trails throughout Northern California, Ive often envied the strength and dedication of the 300 or so folks who attempt to hike its 2,650 miles each year. And as Ive wandered into the PCTs more remote regions, Ive pondered the footprints this path has seen and the handful of thru-hikers who have actually placed one foot in front of the other day after day, from Mexico to Canada. (If youre interested in thru-hiking the PCT in Northern California, check out Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California, From Tuolumne Meadows to the Oregon Border by Jeffrey P. Schaffer.)

I freely admit that Im not in the same league as these hikers. How many of us would be willing to hike all day and sleep on the ground all night for four or five months straight? Are there ways to experience the trail without that kind of commitment?

The answer is an unqualified yes. Instead of guiding you through the arduous task of hiking the entire PCT, the goal of this book is to help you plan trips that incorporate hiking on the PCT in Northern California, whether you have just an afternoon to spare or you want to escape for the entire weekend. And because Im sucker for scenery and a lake lover at heart, my hike choices most often include the opportunity for a wilderness swim or a summit hike to take in outstanding views. This cargo-pocket guide offers advice to help you make the most of your time away from civilization, however long (or short) that stretch may be.

Please enjoy yourself on the trail and make memories with your family and friends that will last a lifetime. But also remember to tread lightly and respect the incredible, often fragile natural environment therein. When you travel off-trail, do so only in small groups. Dont feed the wildlife. Obey all laws on the trail. Be careful when youre using matches. And by all means, pack out all the trash youve packed in, and help out everyone by picking up trash on the trail that is not yours. Above all, remember that youre a guest in one of the greatest kingdoms in the worlda natural kingdom far superior to the artificial world.