Pacific Crest Trail - Northern 2/3 of California Section M
Johnsville-Gibsonville Road to Highway 70 at Belden
Sunday, June 29, 2003 - Thursday, July 3, 2003
Hike Data:
Length: 61.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet
Elevation Loss: 9,200 feet
Time: 23 hours (5 days)
Difficulty: 3/5
Rating: 3.5/5
Other Information: There is no fee. No permit is required except for a campfire permit. Water is fairly scarce and services
along the trail are non-existant except at Buck's Lake.
Introduction:
After failing to complete our first two PCT hikes in 2000 and 2001, Justin and I decided it was do or die this year. I had been unable to
make an attempt in 2002 due to family illness, so 2003 was all the more important to me. Mostly though, I was sick of failing, so I had
been doing a lot of hiking to try to beat the blisters and get in shape. Justin and I discussed how far we thought we could go each day
and I did my best to plan out the days. One of my biggest concerns going in was whether we could find the starting point (see below for
directions), so I also set up an alternate starting point just in case.
I made it a point to pack as lightly as possible using all my new lightweight gear, but my pack still weighed a disheartening 40 pounds or
so with water and food loaded up. Nevertheless, it didn't feel too bad and I was in decent shape, so I said goodbye to my wife and headed
up boring Interstate 5 and Highway 99 to meet Justin in Belden. Although I felt pretty good and was excited, the fact that all my family
and friends had been joking about how they'd probably see us in two days was not helping my self-esteem...
Getting There:
From State Highway 89 in Graeagle, head Southwest following the signs toward Plumas-Eureka State Park. Turn into the main parking area for the park and continue through, heading toward the campgrounds.
You will see a small sign indicating the distance to LaPorte. Continue straight until the road splits off and turns to gravel (at this point you will see a sign noting that the road is not maintained and travel at your own risk). Follow the now rough, narrow road as it winds along the cliffs and climbs. Enjoy the views, but not too much... (4 wheel drive is recommended here) Stay to the right as you pass the split for the "A-tree". At the next junction, head left toward LaPorte. Continue following the road for miles. Eventually, you will pass a county line sign as you enter Sierra County. The trail crosses the road right by the sign.
The other end of this section, Belden, is located just off Highway 70. Park in the rest area/PCT parking area along the highway.
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