Erosion has washed out a segment of the PCT 2.9 miles south of Tehachapi Willow Springs Road where the trail crosses a natural drainage. The damage is at 35.03443, -118.38033. The damage is likely to block travel for some people, especially people on horses.
Photo from November 2022
There is a decapitated boar head hanging from the fence by its teeth about half a mile south of hikertown on 1/30/23. It was very disturbing to see.
We were heading NB from Horsethief Canyon to the Interstate 15. There were some areas through Crowder Canyon dangerous strewn with large rocks and very difficult to pass through due to rock falls from a recent heavy rain. With another heavy rain expected next week it will probably get much worse than it was. I realize there is a lot of work and volunteer effort involved but this area is beginning to get a bit dangerous. Hoping it can be fixed at least before the 2023 thru-hiking season gets started. Thanks so much.
Section C/D:
The areas I’m reporting are within a mile or so of the McDonald’s. On the south east side of the 15. There is a section of the PCT that is also locally known as the camp Cajon Kauder Creek Trail. Several sections of this trail have washout areas with rock debris which make it difficult to cross.
Thanks
11/21/22
Fallen trees present hazards trailwide, including on Mount Hood. Please see this article detailing an incident where a horse fell ~200 feet near Zig Zag Canyon while trying to cross a log.
https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2022/08/a-healing-miracle-after-a-horse-falls-200-feet-near-timberline-lodge.html
“As Mandt walked in front of Oriana on the steep, crumbling trail, she led the horse by a rope and encouraged the horse to weave between the fallen trees.
That’s when a stirrup on the horse’s saddle caught a log. Oriana lost her balance, then struggled to get her feet under her, tipping over.”
The PCT has been washed out in a few short sections south of Sonora Pass on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Areas of concern are located between FarOut mile 1011-1012. Passable for hikers, equestrians are not recommended.
Approximately 76 downfall passable to hikers but many not to stock,4″ to 16″ diameter, most less than 12″ diameter, substantial brush causing tread creep issues within 2-3 mi of Milk Creek. Tread collapse at 2019? avalanche site where large boulders supporting tread have slipped and aluminum culverts presumably draining slope have clogged and are exposed causing tread drainage issues. Apparently this PCT segment has not been maintained for a few years, though it’s current condition is not as severe as the connecting (feeder) trails 3440.
I’m an experienced FS Trail construction and maintenance volunteer and previously FS-certified class B crosscut bucker and licenced civil engineer. I am signed up with PCTA for logout of Jefferson Park and Park Ridge and have previously volunteered to maintain the segment of PCT of this report.
There are about 2 to 3 dozen trees (maybe more) between Walker Pass and Chimney creek. The majority and largest of the trees are between Spanish Creek and Chimney Creek from about mile 670 to 677. There are also a few difficult downfalls farther south between 657 and 662. I made it through with 2 equines but wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have a good saw and some equines that are willing to jump obstacles.