What animals are on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Animals include raccoon, marten, mink, badger, fox, bobcat, and the ever-present deer and black bear. In the fall, the skies are often filled with migrating birds on their journey south along the Pacific coast flyway. This is prime logging country (as are most of the PCT’s lands north of here), and the trail crosses many back roads.
Is chafe on the Pacific Crest Trail dangerous?
In the realm of conversation topics, the Pacific Crest Trail's social faux pas are few and far between. That being said, chafe, and more specifically butt chafe, is scarier than any bear or mountain lion could ever be. I witnessed many a strong hiker taken down as a result of bleeding butt cheeks.
What do you know about the Pacific Crest Trail?
The Pacific Crest Trail passes through many miles of land used for raising cattle. Giant, beastly, genetically enhanced cattle. Few things rattled me more during the night than the sound of some huge cow crying out in what I can only assume was sexual frustration, very near to my tent (everything sounds closer in the darkness).
Are plants scarier than animals on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Yes, plants are scarier than animals. The Pacific Crest Trail is home to a number of poisonous plants that can cripple hikers bold enough to even come into contact with them. In Southern California hikers do battle with the infamous Poodle Dog Bush (remember, you cannot smoke it).
Do you need bear spray on the PCT?
Resident PCT bears are legendarily good at getting human food. In some of regions along the trail, all scented items MUST be in a bear canister. Where they're required, these canisters must be on the list of allowed canisters published by that land management agency.
Are there Grizzlies on the PCT?
For most of the Pacific Crest Trail you will be in Black Bear country. The good (or maybe bad) news is, there aren't many. In all of the North Cascade Range, from southern British Columbia in Canada to Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) it is roughly estimated that there may be only 15 to 30 grizzly bears.
What animals are on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Wildlife is abundant as the PCT weaves through the habitat of rattlesnakes, salamanders, eagles, roadrunners, coyotes, marmots, bear, elk, mountain goats, bobcats, cougars and other species. The trail is designated for pedestrian and equestrian traffic. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted.
Does the Pacific Crest Trail go through Big Bear?
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL–The famous international trail that stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada winds some 39 miles through Big Bear with spectacular big-mountain hiking for day treks or even overnight adventures.
Are there mountain lions on the PCT?
So, are there mountain lions on the Pacific Crest Trail? The answer is yes, with the largest populations in California and Oregon. Though interactions with these big cats are rare, they can be found in many of the areas the trail passes through.
How many murders are in the PCT?
Since 1974, there have been 12 murders, including one in May 2019, on the nation's most popular footpath, the Appalachian Trail, which draws roughly 3 million visitors a year. But how many sexual assaults? It's impossible to say.
How much money do you need to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
$4,000 to $6,000 per personThe average cost of a PCT thru-hike, including gear, food/resupply, and other end-to-end trail expenses, is $4,000 to $6,000 per person for an average thru-hike. That said, it's not uncommon to hear stories of some people spending close to $10,000.
Should I hike the PCT alone?
The PCT is rugged, remote and it can be challenging and dangerous. You are responsible for your own safety and you should do everything you can to avoid unnecessary rescues. Don't go alone. Find someone with experience who will take you out.
Does the PCT go through Death Valley?
There is no direct connection from Pacific Crest Trail (Landmark) to Death Valley National Park. However, you can take the drive to Redding airport, fly to Las Vegas, then take the drive to Death Valley National Park.
Where does the Pacific Crest Trail start and end?
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins in southern California at the Mexican border and travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.
Does the PCT go through Lake Arrowhead?
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) follows the creek from the Lake Arrowhead area to the Mojave River Forks Dam for 16 miles as part of the 2,650 mile national scenic trail crossing Deep Creek twice on elevated bridges.
How long is Cougar Crest trail?
Check out this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Big Bear Lake, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
What are the dangers of the Pacific Crest Trail?
The Pacific Crest Trail doles out hazards in cruel ways. Thousands of hikers on the 2,650-mile trek face perils including rattlesnakes, exposure, corneal flash burns from snow glare, and heatstroke.
How many people have gone missing on the PCT?
The Mystery Continues Three men have vanished while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. One each year in 2015, 2016, 2017. *For the PCT MISSING we are featuring thru-hikers and section hikers only. (Hikers whose intention was to backpack the PCT and only the PCT when they went missing.)
What is the hardest section of the PCT?
Hiking Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass. By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington, Section K puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions.
Can I carry a gun on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Carrying firearms is generally discouraged They could be turned against you or result in an accidental shooting and they are extra weight most PCT hikers find unnecessary. Horseback riders may consider firearms to put down injured and sick animals.
What are people interested in on the Pacific Crest Trail?
As we learned from the absurd questions asked of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, people are mostly interested in hikers' thoughts on the “scary things” out in the wilderness.
How to survive the Pacific Crest Trail?
Drink a lot of water, and shade yourself from the sun. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. What sounds like two simple tasks can quickly become problematic (and even deadly) on the Pacific Crest Trail. Triple-digit temperatures, high altitudes, long waterless stretches, and extreme physical exertion all make keeping hydrated a constant battle. Knowing nothing of the statistics, I would wager that more hikers die from sunstroke and dehydration each year than from all the other items on this list combined. However, the sun is a silent killer, and therefore, it is not as scary – which explains why it falls so far down the list.
What is the name of the word that hikers learn quickly on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Giardia . A word that hikers learn quickly on the Pacific Crest Trail, giardia can take down even the most seasoned of hikers. Whether or not you can properly pronounce it, the symptoms are the same: diarrhea, flatulence, greasy stool that can float (difficult to diagnose when pooping in a hole ), abdominal cramps, upset stomach, and nausea.
Is it illegal to ride a bike on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Despite bicycles being forbidden on the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, some people believe themselves to be above the law (me, for example). These people ignore the PCT's prohibition of bikes and endanger not only themselves but hikers as well (that guy who almost hit me in Big Bear, for example). Hikers, expecting only to encounter fellow hikers and equestrians, can quickly be taken out by bikers flying around corners or barreling down descents. I typically hiked with music blasting in both my ears (usually J-Pop) because why would I listen for bicyclists who were not supposed to be on the trail in the first place? If you encounter bikers on the trail and can avoid being hit while doing so, then do the polite thing and refuse to yield.
Is the Pacific Crest Trail well marked?
Unmarked Trail Junctions. The Pacific Crest Trail is relatively well-marked, but occasionally hikers encounter unmarked trail junctions. Even with maps, these junctions can sometimes be difficult to decipher.
Is the Pacific Crest Trail poisonous?
Poisonous Plants. Yes, plants are scarier than animals. The Pacific Crest Trail is home to a number of poisonous plants that can cripple hikers bold enough to even come into contact with them. In Southern California hikers do battle with the infamous Poodle Dog Bush (remember, you cannot smoke it).
Can you see snakes on the trail?
Some hikers claimed to not see any snakes on-trail, but this does not translate to them not being seen by any snakes. You are lucky to see some bears, and you are a celebrity if you spot a mountain lion, but you will be the minority if you do not encounter any poisonous snakes along your way.
Where are bear canisters required on the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail?
Bear canisters are required in parts of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Inyo, Sierra and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, and in all of Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. Basically, a typical long-distance PCT hiker and horseback rider should, at the minimum, carry canisters between Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) in the south and Sonora Pass (mile 1017) in the north and then again in Lassen Volcanic National Park (mile 1343-1363). We also strongly recommend carrying a bear canister in Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe. If you’re hiking the entire John Muir Trail, that’s the entire way. ALL of your food and scented items must be in the canister once you make camp. If you’re only visiting portions of the Sierra, you’re welcome to research which locations don’t require hard sided canisters – though we still encourage you to carry them in places that they’re not required.
What trail is bear canisters on?
Bears and bear canisters on the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. The PCT traverses bear habitat. In places, bears have become adept at gaining access to improperly stored food. Access to human food, either through improper or inadequate food storage, sometimes ends with managers having to kill bears that become too habituated to going ...
Where to carry canisters for PCT?
Basically, a typical long-distance PCT hiker and horseback rider should, at the minimum, carry canisters between Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) in the south and Sonora Pass (mile 1017) in the north and then again in Lassen Volcanic National Park (mile 1343-1363).
How to keep food in bear canister?
Generally, you should keep your food in a bear canister, or hang it using the counterbalance method. Hard-sided canisters are the most effective way to protect your food. They’re the best choice for most of the trail. Problem is, they’re heavy and bulky.
Where is the last bear locker in Yosemite?
The last bear locker in Yosemite is at Glen Aulin, a mere 5.5 miles from Tuolumne Meadows, so even if you plan on staying the night at Glen Aulin, Yosemite National Park will still require you to have a bear canister between there and Sonora Pass.
What happens if the ranger can't ascertain you are following the law?
If the ranger can’t ascertain that you’re following the law, you’ll be getting a ticket and you’ll likely be sent back to the trailhead. A confrontation is likely going to result in a mandatory appearance ticket, meaning you’ll have to go to the courthouse at a later day. This is highly inconvenient.
Where are black bears now?
Their range has also expanded. In places where you didn’t use to worry about bears getting your food, there are now bears. Bears are at home in the mountains of the PCT from the southern deserts to the northern border .
How far is the Pacific Crest Trail?
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins in southern California at the Mexican border and travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.
Where is the PCT trail?
The PCT begins on a low hill near Campo (elev. 2,600’), a small town near the Mexican border. It passes through Lake Morena County Park and beneath Interstate 8, then climbs through chaparral, scrub oaks, and pines to the rim of the Laguna Mountains. The trail dips into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at Scissors Crossing, then winds up, down, ...
How many passes does the PCT cross?
Along this mostly wilderness stretch, the route repeatedly descends deep canyons only to ascend to high saddles. The PCT crosses eight named passes above 11,000’ in this section, the first being Forester Pass (elev. 13,180’), the highest point on the entire trail.
How many miles is the Cascade Range in Oregon?
Oregon. 430 Miles. This section, from near Siskiyou Summit (elev. 4,310’) in southernmost Oregon to the Washington border, is not only the shortest, but is also the easiest to hike or ride. Oregon’s Cascade Range is a subdued volcanic landscape, having a gentle crest that is fairly constant in elevation.
What are the plants that live in the Pacific Coast?
Other plants include lupine, paintbrush, larkspur, columbine, gooseberry, and manzanita. Animals include raccoon, marten, mink, badger, fox, bobcat, and the ever-present deer and black bear. In the fall, the skies are often filled with migrating birds on their journey south along the Pacific coast flyway.
Where is Highway 14 in the Sierra?
To the west of Mt. Baden-Powell and the Angeles Crest National Scenic Byway, it descends to Highway 14 at Agua Dulce, then traverses the often brushy landscape of the Sierra Pelona.
Where is the John Muir Trail?
In Sequoia National Park, the popular John Muir Trail descends from nearby Mt. Whitney (elev. 14,494’) to join the PCT. The trails share the same tread for most of the way to Highway 120 in Yosemite National Park’s lush Tuolumne Meadows (elev. 8,690’)