Earthquakes in July have caused significant rockfall, primarily between miles 659-661, but also in other nearby areas. Route finding may be challenging with numerous scree fields and large boulders obscuring the trail. Be prepared to scramble through these sections and be aware that more earthquakes are expected in this area.
The United Methodist Church congregation, along with the County, has decided to no longer allow camping on church grounds in Sierra City.
Nearby camping locations:
There will be timber thinning occurring South of Bucks Summit adjacent to the PCT. No felling is occurring within 70′ of the trail and lookouts will be posted along the PCT for safety measures; no restrictions or closures.
Going South on the PCT toward the summit after logging road approx 1/2 mile on thin trail with a drop on the left BIG tree apporx 3-4 ft around blocking trail. Gold Country Trails Council MAY get to it soon but beware as the trail is blocked to horses. Precarious and dangerous to try to go over as it is on a bend on a hill and a steep drop on one side.
In Spring 2017, Yosemite Rangers discovered the bridge crossing Conness Creek near Glen Aulin HSC had been washed off its support beams. As of Spring 2018, the bridge has yet to have been rebuilt. This will impact access to hikers planning to spend a night at Glen Aulin. PCT hikers continuing North or South of this area without camping will not be impacted.
Work is anticipated to begin early summer.
This is not on the PCT, but it is on a significant side trail.
The South Fork Kings River Bridge above Paradise Valley washed out during the winter of 2016-2017. Construction of a replacement bridge will not begin before 2019. Depending on conditions, crossing the South Fork of the Kings River can be extremely hazardous. Observe conditions carefully and then evaluate the risk of crossing. Be prepared to turn back. If you hike the Rae Lakes Loop beginning from Bubbs Creek, plan for the possibility that you may have to backtrack to safely reach Cedar Grove.
At approximately Halfmile 1265, and just south of Bucks Summit, a vegetation management project is currently being implemented the overlays the PCT. The project aims to improve forest health by removing small trees from an old plantation. All felling will be done by hand and there will be one temporary skid trail across the PCT to remove felled trees. Operations should not last more than one week.
On July 22, I traveled the 25 miles on my horse. I encountered snow which at times completely obscured the trail. All snow was passable with my horse. GPS was helpful. There were 68 blow downs in this section, but all passable.