[pct-l] Dogs and Poison Oak

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good afternoon, All,

This is a caution for hikers encountering dogs along the trail.  Significant
stretches of PCT up to 3-4000 feet elevation might be infested with
trailside poison oak, and most trail-dogs are the perfect height to
accumulate the oily toxin urushiol on their coats.  Poison oak can usually
be avoided by hikers staying in the middle of the trail, but the likelihood
of an active and curious dog staying in the middle of the trail – even on a
leash – is somewhere between slim and none.

Friendly dogs are probably the worst because they want to sniff and rub
past my bare legs.  I do what I can to fend them away with my poles but
some are just too exuberant.  People who pet dogs -- either owners or other
hikers -- will spread the toxin on themselves including their faces.

The trail crews do what they can to suppress the weed, with varying degrees
of diligence and frequency, but it’s still there.  The first significant
patches of poison oak I saw was lower down on the south side of Hauser
Canyon, and twice I’ve seen significant infestations near and around Barrel
Spring.  From there north, except at higher elevations, patches can be
found in typical habitat.  Many miles of N. California have extensive
infestations as well.

Steel-Eye

-Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

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

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09/