[pct-l] Hot in Seiad Valley

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good morning, Eric,

I was in and out of Seiad Valley last week when the temperatures were only
around 90 deg. F.  Many of the hikers at Seiad, and on the trail, complained
about the heat but the locals said, “Heat? -- what heat?”  I know from
considerable experience with Oregon’s Rogue Valley just to the north how
brutal summer temperatures can be.  But remember, “It’s DRY heat” –
(snicker).



Our strategy in climbing the rather significant grade north from Seiad was
to be out of town and on the trail at very first light.  We managed to get
about to the 4,000 ft. elevation, where it was cooler and breezier, before
the temperature got oppressive.  Fortunately, reliable water is spaced along
the trail.  Much of the lower elevations are shady, and direct sun doesn’t
penetrate until several hours after sun-up.  A night hike is possible – and
done by some – but there are varying infestations of poison oak along the
trail up to approximately 3,000 ft. elevation so I chose to hike with
natural light.  After an evening start, camping part way up the grade is
possible but quite limited until attaining some of the higher ridge saddles.



The trail south out of Seiad has a similar situation except there is a
6-mile road walk before one encounters the actual foot-path.  Hiking that
blacktop is best done very early, very late, or at night -- unless you are a
masochist.



Both north and south from Seiad is rewarding hiking; enjoy.



Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Sun, Aug 15, 2010 at 9:25 PM, Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com> wrote:

> I'm going to be hiking through Seiad Valley next week on my annual section
> hike and on a whim I checked the weather forecast for down there.  It's
> going to be 112 degrees there tomorrow, cooling to a mere 106 degrees by
> the
> end of the week.  I knew that Northern California could be hot but that's,
> um, rather formidable.  Is that normal?  Maybe I should just keep repeating
> Washington and Oregon?  J
>
>
>
> Eric
>
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