If you read the Trail Fest coverage in the June 2006 issue of the Communicator and are now looking for additional information about:

1) The trail detour in the Angeles National Forest
2) Bear-related and campfire regulations in the Sierra Nevada
3) An update on the detour and trail rebuilding in the Glacier Peak area of Washington, and
4) Links to learn more about Andrew Skurka's monumental Sea-to-Sea trek

You've come to the right place!

PCT Detour/Road Walk in the Angeles National Forest

(Southern California Section D) In order to protect critical habitat of the mountain yellow-legged frog, the U.S. Forest Service has temporarily limited access to approximately 1,000 acres in the area north of the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2) in the vicinity of Cooper Canyon (in Southern California). At the request of the Angeles National Forest, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will lock the gate at Cedar Springs (near milepost 62 on SR 2), east of the turn-off to Buckhorn Campground and west of the tunnels. Access to Eagles Roost Picnic Area will be walk-in only. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail lies within the impacted area. Hikers can take a detour around the area by departing the trail (northbound) at Eagles Roost and taking the highway to Cloudburst Summit, a distance of 4.5 miles. Although this trail detour is signed, some hikers have had difficulty locating where they can re-access the PCT. The PCTA is working to improve signage in the area and also advises hikers to watch closely for signs. For more information about this endangered species-related closure, read the press release from the U.S. Forest Service.

Campfire and Bear-related Regulations

In California, campfire permits are required on all federal and state lands. In most areas, if you have obtained a wilderness permit, that permit also acts as your campfire permit. Remember that the wilderness permit acts as your campfire permit only in the area for which the wilderness permit was issued.

In Southern California, campfires permits are subject to changes, restrictions, and bans based upon weather conditions, especially in the summer when wildfire risk increases. Before you head out, contact your destination's local land agency for the most current campfire regulations. For a list of land management agency offices with jurisdiction over lands through which the PCT passes, click here. Please keep in mind that in all of California, campfire restrictions are subject to changes, restrictions and bans based upon weather conditions and that in many places in California, campfires are banned year-round. Additionally, while restrictions usually only apply to open/campfires, when conditions are extreme the use of portable camp stoves may also be regulated.

In the Sierra Nevada, campfire restrictions are based on elevation. In the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks campfires restrictions apply between 10,000 and 11,400 feet. In the Inyo National Forest restrictions apply between 10,000 and 10,400 feet. In Yosemite National Park, restrictions apply above 9,600 feet. Portable stoves are, however, permitted at these elevations.

In the central and high Sierra Nevada (including Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Devils Postpile National Monument, Yosemite National Park, and Stanislaus National Forest) food storage regulations are in place to prevent bears from accessing human food, trash, and other items. These restrictions are in place to keep bears wild. In these areas all backcountry travelers are required to use a bear resistant food storage container that has been approved by The Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group. For the most current regulations and a list of approved food storage containers visit www.sierrawildbear.gov. When using a food storage container, do not tie it to trees or rocks. Set it on open ground 100 feet from your camping area. In the south, bear-related food storage regulations take effect at Siberian Pass/Cottonwood Pass so northbound thru-hikers are advised to use an approved food storage container as they leave Kennedy Meadows heading north.

Glacier Peak Detour and Trail Restoration Update

Flooding in October 2003 heavily damaged the Pacific Crest Trail in the vicinity of Glacier Peak in the Darrington Ranger District of the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington (guidebook section K). Specifically, seven major trail bridges were destroyed and sections of the trail were severely damaged by mudslides. The damage to the PCT was estimated at $1.2 million. As a result of this damage, 45 miles of the PCT in this area are impassable and dangerous for even the most experienced hikers and stock. A recommended 50-mile PCT detour has been in effect since 2004. For details on this detour's route and elevation profile, click here. Please note, the trails along the detour are not constructed and maintained to the same high standard as the PCT. Users can expect high fords until mid-August, and trail sections that are steep, rough, brushy, and difficult to follow. These trails require a high skill level.

In response to the trail damage, a number of trails that are part of the PCT detour as well as feeder trail have been undergoing maintenance. Expect to see more crews out working on these trails this season.

Links Regarding Andrew Skurka's Sea-to-Sea Trek