[pct-l] Butte Fire Detour Notes

[Anna Sofranko]

Hi everyone,

We wanted to let hikers know that the Butte Fire detour map shows trails that don't exist, and doesn't depict all the roads, making the detour confusing. Several hikers have gotten lost and been short on water. None have been able to find Trail 3643. 

Here are our notes which will hopefully help future hikers:

The beginning of the trail closure is well marked, and printed detour maps were available. 

Follow Trail 1414 towards Kelsay Camp. Many water sources exist in this first section. 

After about 11 miles, there is a junction, with one side going towards the Kelsay camp trailhead, and the other continuing  on trail 1414 towards road 60. Either path will work. These instructions describe taking the left fork towards road 60. Fill up on water when you reach the bridge, as this is the last water for many miles. Upon reaching road 60, turn right. Shortly you will reach a T junction. Turn right and walk uphill on road 60. In a few minutes, look for an unmarked trail on your left heading steeply uphill. There was a detour map posted at this junction. 

Walk this trail until you hit a maintained gravel road, which is Road 700. Turn left, walking uphill. 

After many miles, turn right onto road 770 (the map incorrectly labels this road as 780).  After turning onto 770 and walking 100 feet, you'll see a small lake on your right, which has tasty water. Continue on road 770. 

Trail 3643, which is marked on the official detour map, does not exist. Instead, continue on Road 770 until you reach a T intersection (the detour map omits the road which heads west at this intersection). Turn right onto Road 2154 towards Timpanogas Lake. In 3 miles, turn right to stay on Road 2154. 

In about 3 miles, go right at the junction onto a smaller dirt road towards Summit Lake. Rejoin the PCT at the south side of Summit Lake (WACS1895) and enjoy the beautiful lake.

The total length of this detour is about 30 miles.  

Happy trails, 
North Star and Shutterbug
http://mexicotocanada.com