Short Day Hikes Along the Pacific Crest Trail

With its 2,638 miles, the Pacific Crest Trail is considered to be America's foremost long-distance trail. It passes through three states of California, Oregon, and Washington and touches the three nations of the North American continent (United States, Mexico and Canada). It is located within driving distance from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle. With mountains, canyons, wilderness areas, lakes, national parks and forests, the PCT has all the combinations to make an adventurous hike for outdoor adventurers. Short day hikes are popular along the Pacific Crest Trail where there are many local sections for families. Here are the perfect spots to begin your day hikes along the PCT. Safe hiking!

Through the California area, Highway 18 at Cushenberry Grade: This day hikes trail is just around the Lucerne Valley. Park your car on the east side and catch the trail going either northern or southern direction as it crosses the highway. If you take the northern trail, you will get awesome views of the desert and fresh breeze. In a few mile of walk, you will encounter Holcomb Valley road. Follow the trail and hike through the Doble trail camp which is located in the area of the Gold Mountain mine. Observe the pristine environment here. If you head south of the trail, you will head toward Shadow Ranch and here you get great views of the Mohave Desert as well as Baldwin Lake. The northern trail is bit hard with its climb, but the southern path is more leveled easy trail.

Through the California area, Holcomb Valley trail: parking is less accessible here, but the day hiking is more intriguing. Drive up to the Holcomb through Van Dusen Canyon Rd by way of North Shore Dr. The trail crosses the dirt road for approximately two and half miles. Park somewhere along this location and you have an option of hiking in either direction north or south. The southern walk takes you through the ridge which is pretty hilly and bumpy. The northern end is also hilly but in a few miles the PCT joins with Cougar Crest trail where you can hitch a ride to Van Dusen and hike the PCT Cougar Crest that empties into Big Bear Discovery Center. You can get picked up here to head back to your parking destination.

Through the California area, Lake Morena Country Park to Cibbets Flats Campground: This area has a moderate day hike trail covering a distance of about 13.5 miles. You have a choice of climbing north or south, which in either case is not a huge climb. Going south to north, enter through the Lake Morena County Park and go north on Lake Shore Dr. You will see PCT signs on telephone poles directing you on where to head. A 4 miles walk will direct you toward Cottonwood Creek and 2 more miles takes you to Boulder Oaks campground. There are many other stops along the way such as Boulder Oaks Store where you can shop, and Kitchen Creek Rd. Enjoy great view of Lake Morena, then head through Fred Canyon Rd to Cibbets Flats Campground. Standing at 4,200' in elevation, Cibbets Flats has 25 campsites with vault toilets. It is first come first serve site, with $10 fee to support the Cleveland National Forest interests.

Through the Oregon area, take the Summit Trailheads on Highway 140 to Badger Lake Trailhead in Fourmile Lake Campground. The Oregon portion of the Pacific Crest Trail starts around Siskiyou Summit and end s about the Bridge of the Gods on the Columbia River. It has pretty constant elevation, with the highest point being about 756o feet near Mount Thielsen. It has many Lakes and volcanoes that can be seen atop the mountain. It is home to Crater Lake National Forest, Sky Lake, Diamond Peak, Three Sisters, Mounts Washington and Jefferson. This is an eleven mile distance that is relatively easy. From the Summit Trailhead off Highway 140 take the trail to the PCT. Go north for about 4.4 miles on the PCT until you reach Mount McLaughlin trail. Another 4.1 miles will lead you to Twin Ponds Trail which will take you southeast past Squaw Lake to Badger Lake Trailhead in the Fourmile campground. If you prefer to drive to the campground, take the highway 140 near Fish Lake and park off the highway. Take the access trail to the PCT from Trailhead parking site and begin your hike. You will have incredible view through the Rogue River National Forest.

By way of Washington; FR 65 near Panther Creek Campground to FR 60 at Crest campground .The distance through this hike trail is about 16 miles. The hike is moderate, with over 2000 in elevation change in the hike. You may want to try it from north to south direction. Climb northeast from Panther Creek Rood 65 for a little less than five miles to FR 68. Bear east for about four miles to Big Huckleberry mountain trail. Head north for another 3.5 miles to a saddle close to FR 6801 then another 3.5 miles to FR 60 at the crest campground. Enjoy the incredible system of Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

source:
http://www.pcta.org/planning/hikes.asp