[pct-l] Trail Report Sierra City to Beldon

[Herb Stroh]

I just completed a section hike southbound from Chester to Sierra City May 22-30 and wanted to offer a brief trail update.


There is essentially no trail maintenance from Chester south of Beldon. Nothing insurmountable, but until the work is done expect to be crawling around and thru a number of blowdowns. Chatting with a trail crew member in the Bucks Wilderness area, I was told that that with the below-average snowfall they did not expect as much work as was actually encountered. He did note that had several significant wind events that appear to have made the difference.


As noted, maintenance has largely been accomplished in the Bucks area and for some distance south. Although not difficult, there are blowdowns in the Middle Fork area and south to Sierra City.


I found PLENTY of poison oak, not just in the Beldon area but throughout this section. The areas without trail maintenance require the greatest vigilance, as the PO seems to enjoy hiding in vegetation overgrowing the trail or in the areas surrounding blow-downs. More than a few times I was doing poison oak limbo to make my way down the trail or access a water source.


Below I have some notes on water, which are also being sent to the kind folks that put together the water report. In summary, I found adequate water in all the places I checked, including seasonal sources. A big caveat, however, is that it is early and there have been recent rains to the area. These seasonal sources may not last long.


Regarding PCT'ers, it appears there is a significant contingent of hikers that heard of dangerous conditions in the Sierra and flipped from Kennedy south to either Donner or Sierra City to continue north. Most indicated they planned on hiking to the border before returning to finish out the Sierra. I did follow by a day or two a group of 7 or 8 that entered somewhere north of Chester and are hiking south to Kennedy.


I ran into my first all-the-way thru-hiker, Cameron, on 5/28 near mile 1221. From trail registers he calculated he was the third hiker completing the Sierra. Chatting a day later with Impala, whom I encountered just north of Sierra City, there is a leading group of about 8 or 9 that powered through the Sierra and are within a few days of each other. It was fun watching the young bucks zoom by.


Of course I had to ask about the snow and water crossings. Impala told me that the Sierra was doable but difficult, and that those that skipped ahead "probably made the right decision." He did state that the water crossings were not too bad, but noted the real problem crossings may be happening now with the warmer weather. I was surprised to learn his scariest moment was on Senora Pass, where, because of fresh snow, he had to cross terrain that was prime avalanche.


For those headed to Sierra City, I can confirm the church still allows camping on their small but comfortable side lawn. The public bathroom is within a hundred feet, and one stall does include a (very) cold shower. The country store, post office, bar, and hotel are all within a stone's throw of the church. Many hikers told me they felt Sierra City is struggling financially, has just started to emerge from its off-season doldrums, and is still not firing on all cylinders. While I agree with those observations, I would still not hesitate to characterize the city as hiker-friendly. I received a ride into town without asking, felt welcome all over town, invited to camp for free, and could get to everything I needed by a short stroll, including the 1 pound "gut-buster" burger at the General Store. What's not to love?


As far as resupply, the General Store had some Top Ramen and those types of items, but the offerings are limited. I saw no tortillas, but there was plenty of empty space on the bread racks so it is probably hit-or-miss. Same with fresh foods—a few items but not much quantity.


Regarding Beldon, I sent a package to Caribou Crossing, about a mile up road from the steel bridge. If the hotel accepts packages that will save you the side trip. However, if you mail to Caribou be sure to call first and verify the package is at the store. They have limited space, and many packages are kept as Little Haven which you would pass on the way to the store. I didn't go in the general store at the hotel, but the Caribou Crossing store had little more than candy bars and bait. They were very friendly, however, and do have a tasty shake.


Hope this helps those heading north. Happy trails.


Herb


Water report notes:

1200.7 Seasonal Spring—running nicely 5/30/15 and easy to draw from. Note—there had been recent rains.

1202.6 Sierra Buttes Spring—with a shallow scoop one could retrieve water essentially right on trail. If not, better flow can be found about 100 yards down a use trail. 5/30/15.

1211.9 Pauley Seep. Note that the sign is facing southbound traffic so watch for a faint use trail to avoid missing it.

1217.2 A Tree Spring—Nice, ice cold flow. Feasible camp sites near.

1223.8 and 1224.1 East Branch and West Branch of Trap Creek—both flowing well, 5/29/15.

1242.0 Small N Fowler Creek—sign for the creek is mounted parallel to the trail so be careful not to miss it. The use trail is visible, and takes you down across a road to a shady watering hole. As a south-bounder coming up from the Middle Fork on a hot day, this oasis was a welcome relief. 5/27/15.

1251.2 Small Creek. Earthy, but not unpleasant taste. 5/27/15

1255.3 Seasonal Spring. Minimal flow but enough to draw, 5/27/15.

1257.2 Lookout Spring. Easy draw, right on trail 5/26/15.

1262.1 Small Spring. Minimal flow but enough to draw, 5/26/15.

1262.5 Seasonal Spring. Small flow but enough to draw 5/26/15.

1263.1 Small Stream called Big Creek. Flowing nicely, 5/26/15.

1274.2 Small Seasonal Creek. Minimal flow, 5/26/15.

1279.2 Canyon View Spring. Clear and ice cold—100 feet off trail. A nice respite for a south-bounder heading coming from Beldon on a hot day.

1325.5 Solider Creek. Good flow 5/22/15.

1327.6 Wooden Footbridge. Dry. Looks like it has not run for years.


Herb