[pct-l] Best Day Hikes Along the PCT

[Rees Hughes]

It has been a rainy, dark day along the North Coast of California . . . a
perfect day to dream a little about high country hiking.  I have found
myself musing about the best day hikes along the length of the PCT.  Where
do you get maximum crest access from a reasonably accessible road (not
4-wheel drive)?  And assume that you have to return to the same location to
retrieve your vehicle (no key exchanges, planting cars, etc.).  Oh yes, and
40 miles is not a day hike.  Here are some that come to mind:

1)  Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park, Mt. Hood (you can do this as a 12.2
mile loop)

2) Barker Pass to Twin Peaks and on to Ward Peak and back with its
fantastic views down over Lake Tahoe (9 miles to Twin Peaks and back - 16
miles to Ward Peak and back)

3) Van Dusen Canyon Road to the Cougar Crest Trail intersection (5.4 miles
total) - the half mile prior to the Cougar Crest turnaround has stunning
views out over Big Bear Lake and the high San Gorgonios.

4) Sonora Pass at Highway 108 to the Emigrant Wilderness Boundary above
Kennedy Canyon (16.2 miles round trip . . . can be shortened by turning
around earlier) - although this starts with a brutal 1,200 foot climb, once
you reach the crest, you have four incredible miles of ridge walking
through this volcanic landscape.

What would some of yours be?  Hat Creek Rim? Snoqualmie Pass to Ridge and
Gravel Lakes?  Hart Pass to Windy Pass in the Pasayten?
-- 
Rees Hughes
Co-Editor, *The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: California*
Co-Editor,* The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader: Oregon/Washington*
*www.pcttrailsidereader.com*