Pacific Crest Trail Community and Shelters Laura Johnston

Photos by Laura Johnston accompanying her hut2hut.info post comparing the AT and PCT and the impact of shelters vs. no shelters on each trail. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) community. These are pictures from her thru-hike of the PCT:

: “Walden,” is a trail side stop where hikers on the PCT can camp, refill on water from rain barrels and picnic tables provided by the people that own the adjoining land near to Idyllwild, CA. These trail angels created and maintain this campsite, restock the water on their own and ask nothing in return.

: Hikers take a break under a bridge along the LA Aqueduct, a famous and infamous 40 mile stretch of the PCT that is exposed, hot and waterless in the desert.

: The PCT is full of open camping spots like this one near the trail towns of Tehachapi and Mojave. Camping is often weighed depending on proximity to or from water sources, which in Southern California can be as long as 15, 27 or 40 miles apart.

: Water sources on the PCT are scarce in the southern California section. Aside from the occasional spring or creek, much of the water for the first 700 miles of the trail is provided by trail angels.

: Refuge and camraderie on the PCT often happen in improvised areas in the shade or near water sources.

: Signs like this Leave No Trace (PNT) poster at the Whitewater Preserve, an off trail park and facility open for camping with indoor restrooms, water and open land for camping, on the PCT remind hikers to keep the area clean. This facility is not diretly on the PCT, but any hikers that come through there find larger groups of day and weekend hikers in the frontcountry but also a reminder of signs for preserving the trail and the environment.

: Trail angels are a major source of water, support and even the occasional break from the PCT in southern California. Here, thru-hikers enjoy a night off the trail and camping at the home and yard of trail angels at Joe and Terrie Anderson’s home, Casa de Luna. Hikers can camp in the backyard and enjoy a home cooked meal and socializing in large groups.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT break for a rest in the desert in southern California. Without shelters on the PCT, unlike the AT, breaks like this often happen on the trail, under a tree or at a water source.

: Granite peaks of the Sierra in central and northern California on the PCT leave one inspired each and everyday.

: The emergency warming hut at Muir Pass (11,000+ feet) on the PCT can be visited while hiking but is to be used for sleeping only in the event of emergencies or severe weather, which could include lightning.

: Thru-hikers relax at the Burney Mountain Guest Ranch, a trailside hostel in Northern California on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with a cabin that hikers can stay in, resupply at and even camp outdoors at. The owners provide meals (for small cost) and options to camp and shower, as well.

: The main house at Burney Mountain Guest Ranch, a hostel on the PCT, and its front porch also provide a spot to socialize.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT relax under a pavillion at the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Northern California. Thru-hikers can use state park land on the PCT for rest or camping at select places along the trail.

: Thru-hikers meet at the California/Oregon state crossing on the PCT. The wooden sign signifies that state line.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT sometimes camp in towns where they are resupplying like the Callahan’s Mountain Lodge near Ashland, OR. Hikers can also pay to use the showers, laundry and to eat in the restaurant.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT sort their resupply at the general store at Mazama Lodge at Crater Lake National Park.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT walk past the Mazama Lodge at Crater Lake National Park. There are day and extended camping spots nearby where thru-hikers camp.

: A side view of the Maiden Peak shelter in Oregon shows its rustic, log cabin design. The shelter is fully enclosed with a stove, two levels for sleeping and rustic wood and stone interior.

: PCT hikers can camp around or buy an indoor stay at the cabin at Olallie Lake in Oregon.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT stop to enjoy trail magic–free food cooked and provided by volunteers–in northern California.

: Thru-hikers on the PCT stop for a break in the shade and to eat trail magic–free food cooked and provided by volunteers–near Donner Pass at Trukee, California.

: Hikers on the PCT can access and use this cabin off trail on the PCT can camp in or near the Maiden Peak shelter in Oregon if space allows.

: The Maiden Peak Shelter is one of only a few off trail shelters on the PCT. This one is in Oregon and .7 off the PCT on the Maiden Peak Trail.

: Hikers can stay at the Mountaineers Lodge at Steven’s Pass, WA. This three story A-frame cabin houses skiiers in the winter and is open to thru-hikers in the hiking season. A small fee allows hikers to sleep, shower, use a drying room and lounge on couches.

: Hikers share meals at the Mountaineers Lodge at Steven’s Pass, WA. The lodge allows hikers to use the kitchen and prepare meals.

: The PCT’s most northern section in WA is through North Cascades National Park. Camping, socializing and shelter here happen in the open, exposed parts of trail.