Earthquakes in July have caused rockfall and some newly downed trees, primarily between miles 659-661, but also in other nearby areas. The tread is still mostly definable and easy to navigate. Be prepared to scramble through sections.
The trail is not suitable for stock until it is repaired.
There are currently a couple large trees (4’ diameter + ) across the trail approximately 6-8 miles south of Hwy 36, and several smaller trees as well. The large trees are significant impediments. Also, numerous small and mid-size trees across the trail between Sierra City and Jackson Meadows Res. In the area south of Belden there are trees down, and higher up, toward Three Lakes, brush has encroached on the trail and needs cutting back. I didn’t anticipate reporting these maintenance issues so I’m sorry for not having exact mile notes.
PCT is impassable to equestrians from mile 1293 – 1297, near Myrtle Flat in Chips Creek. Trail has suffered intense winter damage and is in the process of being repaired and cleared. Hikers should use caution passing through these damaged areas.
For those behind me, I hope this might benefit them. There must have been a storm or a landslide in the tick-infested area just south of the road walk in Seiad Valley. There are more fallen logs than I have seen in 1,000 miles of trail, as well as huge overgrowth of bushes, where one cannot see the trail. The main bulk of the obstacles is between Grider Creek Campground and 4 miles south of the last Grider Creek bridge going up the mountain. I send this message in hopes that volunteer crews can help out before even more hikers struggle through.
There is quite a bit of overgrowth, including poison oak and poodle dog bush, on the trail starting from Swarthout Canyon north for several miles. Be especially on the lookout for poison oak, which at times grows over the trail where the trail follows the contour into the fold of the hillside.
We are hiking the PCT and are at mile 250 having come through Whitewater and Mission Creek. The trail through Mission creek is missing in huge parts and non-existent in most miles. There are huge boulders to cross on the wide flood damaged river beds and many large pines down crossing the paths heading up out of Mission Creek to the Big Bear mountains. It’s VERY challenging…. Please update to alert other hikers who may be heading into the area . Big Bear is snow covered and without ice axe and spikes ( minimum ) is again very treacherous!
The Pacific Crest Trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness is largely inaccessible to equestrian use due to significant numbers of large fallen logs.
The PCT between the junction of the North Fork Sauk Trail (approximately Halfmile 2502) and the Suiattle River Trail (approximately Halfmile 2540) is blocked by numerous down trees, washouts, and narrow sections of tread. Long distance riders are advised to trailer around these obstacles.
Logs some as large as 6 feet in diameter make the trail impassable to equine north of Sitkum Creek and on the climb up towards Vista Ridge (~2534). There are no convenient ways to get around these obstacles. The PCTA is working to reopen this area to equestrian users but it will not be accessible to stock in 2019.
Construction connected to Southern California Edison’s West of Devers Upgrade Project (a renewable energy project) will result in temporary holds on PCT hikers and riders around mile 210.
For the most part, construction will not impact trail users. During wire stringing between electrical towers, construction crews may ask hikers to wait for a safe time to cross under the wires.
