NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Location: Northern California, the third section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends from Echo Lakes to the Oregon border. This region is characterized by dense forests, serene lakes, and mountainous terrain, offering hikers a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems. The northernmost part of California on the PCT is known for its dense wilderness and proximity to the Oregon border.

• Duration: From July 9th to August 6th, 2024, covering 29 days.

• Distance Covered: 1,017 km (approximately 631 miles).

• Number of Zero Days: Two rest days were taken during this section to recover and handle logistics.

• Elevation Gain: 30,345 meters (99,469 feet) of cumulative ascent.

• Environment and Weather: The trail traverses dense forests of pines and firs, as well as high mountain ridges and valleys. While temperatures were generally moderate, the area was impacted by several wildfires during this time, leading to smoke-filled skies, detours and occasional road walks. The landscape alternated between lush forests, alpine lakes and dry exposed ridges. The heat was a constant challenge, especially in the lower sections and the terrain was often exposed, requiring careful pacing and hydration management.

• National Parks Traversed:

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: A key highlight of this section, known for its geothermal features and volcanic landscape.

• Key Resupply Points:

  • Echo Lakes: A starting point for many entering the Sierra Nevada.

  • Truckee: A larger town offering good resupply options.

  • Sierra City: A small but welcoming stop for hikers.

  • Belden: A resupply point and a place for a well-needed rest.

  • Burney Falls: Known for the iconic waterfall, a memorable stop on the trail.

  • Mt. Shasta: A significant landmark and resupply point.

  • Etna: A charming town with essential services for hikers.

  • Fort Jones: Another stop off-trail offering good resupply.

  • Seiad Valley: A small, remote valley known for its challenging climbs and last resupply before Oregon.

• Summits Climbed:

  • Tinker Knob: 2,713 meters (8,901 feet).

• Passage of the PCT Midpoint: The PCT midpoint was crossed during this section, marking a significant milestone on the trail at 2,132 kilometers (1,325 miles).

• Difficulties Encountered:

  • Wildfires: The region was affected by multiple wildfires, resulting in smoky skies and some trail detours. Hikers faced road walks and significant disruptions, though I was fortunate to avoid skipping any sections despite the challenging conditions.

  • Burnt Forests and Blowdowns: Many sections of the forest had been burned in past fires, leading to fallen trees and blowdowns that created obstacles and slowed progress.

  • "Monotonous" Sections: Some areas felt repetitive, as the long forested paths and exposed ridges lacked variation, testing both physical and mental endurance.

  • Trail Crowds: Due to the wildfire disruptions, many hikers skipped sections, leading to crowded areas on the trail where there were an unusually high number of hikers in certain spots.

  • Norovirus Concerns: There was a constant worry about contracting norovirus which added a layer of anxiety during the section.

  • Heat: While temperatures weren’t as extreme as in the desert, some stretches of exposed trail made hydration and pacing crucial.

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This section of Northern California posed physical and mental challenges but also presented some of the most beautiful moments of the expedition. From the smoky skies caused by nearby wildfires to the tranquility of alpine lakes and mountain summits, the trail continued to test both perseverance and adaptability as I crossed the Oregon border.