[pct-l] Bear boxes for thru hikers in the Sierras

[Bob Bankhead]

Yes, there are bear boxes along the PCT/JMT which are open to anyone's use. However, they are placed in known problem areas where folks tend to spend multiple nights and not necessarily spaced out along the trail for your convenience. It is not possible for most hikers to go from one to the next continuously on the trail and thereby nullify the bear can requirements.....the distances can exceed 30 miles.

Last August, there were bear boxes along the PCT at the Rae Lakes, Arrowhead Lake, Charlotte Lake, and Vidette Meadow, and off-trail at the Kearsarge Lakes. Multiple boxes are located in the near-trail campgrounds at Onion Valley and Horseshoe Meadow.

Remember that the current day's food need not be in a bear canister. It can remain in your pack as long as you don't walk away from your pack (when a ranger's around). That cuts off a day.

Also remember that just because a cannister is not required in a given area does not mean it is not needed. Bears don't read; neither do they respect arbitrary boundaries drawn on a map. 

YMMV....and you could go hungry


Wandering Bob



----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Griffin 
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 4:03 PM
  Subject: [pct-l] Bear boxes for thru hikers in the Sierras


  In the advice the list gave Swiss Miss about packing a bear canister for 
  the trip between Kennedy Meadows and VVR, no one suggested that she put 
  the extra food that didn't fit in her canister in a bear box. I thought 
  the bear boxes were in place for JMT and PCT thru hikers to use. Am I 
  wrong about the availability of bear boxes on the trail? Do any thru 
  hikers rely on these exclusively?

  Tom "Bullfrog" Griffin
  Seattle
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