Just a few meters from our beach spot, we found another water cache, but we didn’t need anything from it – especially not water, as the nearby river provided more than enough supply. What we did need, however, was the bench next to the cache for our breakfast before we started the ascent again. The weather was fine at the start, but it got windier and windier. Kathi’s injury was also making itself felt.

Maps and GPX Track – Pacific Crest Trail 2025

Details
PCT Etappe 4
?
Export
More Details

We also read numerous comments on the FarOut app from other hikers warning us that a new plant that is dangerous for hikers had appeared on the side of the trail: the Poodle Dog Bush. This plant is almost exclusively native to Southern California and has a particularly unpleasant side effect: it can cause severe allergic reactions on contact with the skin. The Poodle Dog Bush contains essential oils and resins that can cause skin irritation and, in severe cases, even more serious allergic reactions.

It was already a challenge to avoid the things along the way. But the wind, which kept whipping the plants in our direction, didn’t make it any easier. So we decided to cheat a little and use the dirt road that ran parallel to it. This was much wider and easier to walk, which made the long day’s stage much easier.

The further we got, the more we realized that we were leaving the desert and heading into the mountains. The difference was immediately apparent: instead of the typical bushes, there were now real trees, even real green grass, and you could almost call it a forest. When we returned to the PCT and hiked under Sawmill Camp, we were immersed in a dreamlike fairytale forest – sheltered from the wind and quiet. But soon we were met by hikers who warned us of a strong wind that would soon reach us. They were not exaggerating: As we stepped out of the bushes onto an open area, we were literally blown over by the wind. It was so strong that we could barely stand on our feet.

Once again, we decided to follow the dirt road instead of continuing directly along the PCT to reach our destination for today: the Bear Campground, which was right on the side of the road. There were bear boxes and about three wind-protected pitches – just what we needed. I was actually really proud of how well I was able to set up the tarp so that it was stable and we had a comfortable place to sleep.

During the night, we were suddenly woken up when an off-road vehicle with a roof tent drove onto the site. We covered 26 km and 1300 m of altitude today.

Weitere Wanderungen