Project (Click for directions): PCT miles 1526-1549
Activities: As many of you know, the Trail Center has a summer tradition of working a long weekend on the Pacific Crest Trail. We have worked at Sonora Pass, Ebbetts Pass, Sierra Buttes, and other locations. This year we go north! We have a preliminary plan for work July 25-28. Access to the PCT will not be available until mid to late June, so we cannot be too specific until we see what the heavy winter snows have brought.
We will work on a stretch of trail in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (PCT miles 1526-1549). This is an area due west of Mt. Shasta and 20-30 miles west of I-5. We expect there to be a number of downed trees, erosion from the Spring water runoff and other common trail maintenance jobs. There is the possibility of improving a side access trail to a spring which serves as a water source for PCT thru hikers. This section of the PCT has fantastic views of Mt. Shasta, the Trinity Divide and Mt. Eddy. It will be prime time for thru hikers transiting the area.
We will camp at Picayune Lake, a small lake located about 1.5 miles from the PCT trailhead, altitude 6100 feet. The group will be limited to 15 volunteers. Ian Nelson, PCTA Regional Representative for Northern California and Southern Oregon, will supply all tools and hardhats. Eleonore Anderson, PCTA Technical Advisor, will join us along with Ian. There will be no fees for camping and the PCTA will provide all meals for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Volunteers are expected to arrive by Thursday evening, July 25. We will work Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday, July 28. It is about a 6.5 to 7 hour drive from Palo Alto. Access is via USFS roads which can be pretty rough, so high-clearance vehicles are advised. When making your summer plans, you may wish to plan a trip before or after in the general area (NoCal to SoOrg), to make up for the long drive and, if before, to acclimate to altitude. We will be able to accommodate additional camping days at the lake if you wish to arrive earlier or stay Sunday night. Please let me know if needed.
All new volunteers will have to fill in the on-line PCTA volunteer form: https://www.pcta.org/volunteer/volunteer-application/
