Forest clearing activities on September 21st 2024 destroyed a portion of the Middle Fork San Joaquin Bridge Detour Trail. The crew conducting the forest clearing used a tracked vehicle which chewed up the soil destroying the trail and leaving the soil uneven and very loose. The section runs from the Minaret Summit Rd crossing, past Pumice Flat campground, almost to the Soda Springs campground entrance road. The damage becomes intermittent as you approach the Soda Springs campground road.
Central California
PCT south from Tamarack Trailhead to Wet Meadows
Message I rode my horse on the PCT south from Tamarack Trailhead to Wet Meadows yesterday. There are a number of trees across the trail and user created trails to get around them. I was specifically concerned about a tree which has fallen along the trail at a stream crossing. 38.61039, -119.88997 are the coordinates of the pin I dropped. My concern is the erosion happening when equestrians drop down a soft steep bank to cross the stream. It is also very unsafe for the horses and riders. We tried to find an alternate crossing point however there was nothing else available.
Tree blocking trail for equestrians Alpine County, CA
38.62321 – 119.84653
PCT in Alpine County, CA, about 3 mi in from trailhead at Wet Meadows Lake. Tree leaning over the trail. Hikers can duck under, horses cannot, and no go-around.
Fallen trees across PCT
Approximately 1-2 miles south of interstate 80.
3 locations, large diameter
Observed approximately Early July
Private Logging Operations near Jackson Meadows Reservoir
Private logging operations will be occurring near Jackson Meadows Reservoir in the area where the trail crosses Pass Creek Loop Rd. and Henness Pass Rd. Operations will be occurring along the PCT from mile 1184.5 – 1189. Please stay on the trail when passing through the area(s) of operation.
Blown Retaining Wall north of Donner Pass Rd.
Retaining wall has failed in a narrow, slabby section of trail just north of Donner Pass Rd. (Old Highway 40). This is immediately after you cross the road. The trail is located just above the road, creating extreme challenges for equestrians and even some hikers. Take caution as you cross this section of trail.
Reds Meadow Road closures
Starting Sept. 18th, Reds Meadow Road will be closed to all traffic, M-F, 24hrs a day for the Reconstruction Project–considered unsafe due to contractor blasting rock during the week. Open to the public Sat/Sun.
These trailheads will be affected:
High Trail, River & Shadow Creek (Agnew Meadows)
Minaret Lake
North JMT & South of Devils Postpile
Beck Lake
Fern Lake
Fish Creek
Consider rerouting through Red Cones/Mammoth Pass Trail or delaying until the weekend.
More information here: Inyo National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)
Damaged Bridge on the West Fork of the West Walker River, Hoover Wilderness
Bridge at mile 1003.6 (map) has suffered extreme damage from the winter snowpack and is structurally compromised. Recommend finding an alternate crossing upstream from the bridge. The damaged bridge will pose a larger challenge for equestrians.