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1
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Pacific Crest Trail Water Report -- Part One: Campo to Idyllwild | Updated: 10:26am 7/16/15 | |||||
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Campo, CA to Idyllwild, CA | www.pctwater.com | |||||
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3
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Never rely on water caches!!! With the increase in the number of hikers, it's virtually impossible for anyone to maintain a cache that always has enough water. | ||||||
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Send email updates to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or phone/text<PHONE_NUMBER> or 619-734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. Water reports are compiled from email updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports. Mileages and waypoint names used in this water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps [www.pctmap.net]. | ||||||
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5
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Beware of contaminated water.  You don’t know if a dead carcass was just removed from that tank/spring/creek or what’s hidden upstream. Purify backcountry water. Close lids on springs and tanks to protect water quality. | ||||||
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6
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Take fire safety seriously. It’s an unprecedented drought and our public lands are ready to burn. Generally, there will be strong fire restrictions in place this summer. Campfires will be banned. Alcohol stoves and smoking may also be. Make do without and use extreme caution if allowed. Rules change as you cross agency boundaries. Don’t be the one that destroys the trail. Alcohol stoves start fires – go stoveless or carry a stove with a contained fuel source and a shut-off valve. | ||||||
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7
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Water sources with blue text [marked with * or **] have historically been more reliable. Sources marked with ** are more likely to have water year-round than those marked with a single *. Water described as seasonal, usually dry, early spring, etc. are less reliable.. | ||||||
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Map | Mile | Waypoint | Location | Report | Date | Reported By |
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9
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California Section A: Campo to Warner Springs | ||||||
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10
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Start your hike with enough water to make it to the Lake Morena Campground. The weather has been dry the past few weeks and there is no water between Campo and Lake Morena! | ||||||
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11
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A1 | 1.2 | WR001 | **Juvenile Ranch Facility [faucet behind Juvenile Ranch sign] | Faucet working | 3/1/15 | Pink Panther |
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12
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A1 | 1.4 | Campo | Town - Faucet & Store | |||
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13
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A1 | ~2.5 | Seasonal Campo Crk [usually dry] | Dry | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper | |
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14
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A1 | 4.4 | WR004 | Creeklet [early spring only] | Dry | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper |
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15
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A2 | ~12.7 | Seasonal creek [usually dry] | Dry | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper | |
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16
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A2 | 15.4 | WRCS015 | Hauser Creek [early spring only] | Dry | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper |
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17
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If dry at creek crossing, try taking a right on the road E & walk up stream 200-300 yards. Periodically walk up to creek and check for pools. These last just a little longer than at trail. [Beware; it often has water in April, only to go dry just before ADZPCTKO]. WATCH OUT FOR POISON OAK in this area. | ||||||
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18
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A2 | 15.4 | WACS016 | Cottonwood Creek below Lake Morena
[1.6 miles W of PCT on dirt road] |
Flowing water here but it has an orange tint (maybe iron bacteria?). Definitely filter! There were tiny pools of water in the creek about 0.6 mile W of the PCT but there was poison oak EVERYWHERE. No accessible water until 1.6 miles west | 3/22/15 | Spencer |
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19
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A2 | 20 | LkMorenaCG | **Lake Morena Campground | Water on | 4/22/15 | Halfmile |
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20
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Signs at Lake Morena Campground direct hikers to camp in site 64, $5 fee.
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21
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A3 | 24.1 | WR024 | Cottonwood Creek Bridge | Dry | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper |
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22
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A3 | 25.5 | WR026 | Cottonwood Creekbed | Large pool of water where the trail crosses the creek | 5/31/15 | Two Bar |
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23
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A3 | 26 | BoulderOaksCG | **Boulder Oaks Campground | Water is on | 5/31/15 | Two Bar |
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24
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First spigot is hard to see - it's hiding on the back of a 2' brown post just as the PCT gets onto the CG road, on right. A 2nd faucet is on a tall brown post further along the road. | ||||||
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25
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A3 | 26.5 | Boulder Oaks Store Closed permanently | ||||
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26
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A3 | ~26.8 | Kitchen Creek near I-8 | Dry | 3/9/15 | Haiku | |
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27
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A3 | 28.5 | KitchenCrFalls | *Kitchen Creek Falls [2/10 mi NW] | Flowing ok, numerous pools | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper |
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28
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A3 | ~30 | Kitchen Creek [100 feet below trail] | Flowing ok, numerous pools | 5/30/15 | Two Bar | |
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29
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Or continue to paved road at 30.6 and take a left and then a dirt road down to the water [~0.4 mile]. | ||||||
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30
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A3 | 30.2 | WRCS030 | *Kitchen Creek, Yellow Rose Spring
[4/10 mile N of PCT on road] |
large pools of clear water | 4/11/15 | Nameless |
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31
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A4 | 32 | WRCS032 | Fred Canyon [usually dry] | Dry but very buggy | 5/30/15 | Two Bar |
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32
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Walk 500 ft downhill E, turn right at the first obvious place, almost immediately see a seasonal stream | ||||||
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33
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A4 | 32.6 | CibbetsCG | **Cibbets Flat Campground
[8/10 mi NW on Fred Cyn Rd] |
Spigots turned on | 6/8/15 | Jamalibros |
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34
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A5 | 36.9 | WR037 | Long Canyon [next is easier] | Climbed down into the creek via a rock "path" (not too difficult). Was awkward to fill 1 liter bladders. Mostly clear water that we filtered, flowing about 1 liter per min. | 3/31/15 | Icepick |
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35
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37.5 | Long Creek | Creek flowing well. Easy accees left from trail. Nice clear, cold water. | 4/26/15 | Tali | ||
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36
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A5 | 37.7 | WR038 | *Long Canyon Creek ford | Good flow, 1 L/min or more, cold but shallow. Might be awkward to fill bladders. | 5/30/15 | Two Bar |
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A5 | 38.8 | WRCS039 | *Lower Morris Mdw [3/10 mi NW] | Low flow from the pipe (1/4 liter per min.), Water in the trough is cloudy and brackish with algae reminiscent of a septic system pond. | 3/31/15 | Icepick |
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38
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Horse camp with a piped spring and water trough. Turn left & walk 0.15 mile up dirt road to fence, continue 50 yards, then left on dirt road to meadow trough. | ||||||
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39
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A5 | 41.4 | BurntRanchCG | Burnt Rancheria Campground | Faucets are back on. | 5/31/15 | Crest Runner |
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40
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Turn left at signed junction where PCT joins the Desert View Trail [sign does not mention campground]. Faucet by site 48 at the south end of campground is closest to the PCT. | ||||||
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41
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Per Crest Runner on 5/31/15: Water tests have come back negative for Mount
laguna and the faucets are back on at Burnt Rancheria, Desert View, the Visitor Center, and Laguna Campground.
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42
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A5 | 42.1 | WR042 | Burnt Rancheria Drinking Fountain by CG jct
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Spigots on. No signs warning of ecoli. | 6/8/15 | Jamalibros |
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43
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Access on left 50 yards after you walk below a picnic table on the left or from the road N of the store. Three water sources here: 1) On SW side of loop at end of road [nearest PCT] is a small, two car parking pad. To left & forward a bit is a heavy metal pipe with faucet in small concrete circle, right next to a big tree. This faucet reported to be insulated and should be on year round. 2) Drinking faucet next to restrooms. 3) Sink in restrooms. Water is off in the restrooms during the winter. | ||||||
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A6 | 41.4 | PO043 | **Mount Laguna town, lodge, store
[4/10 mi SW of WR043] |
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45
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The easiest access to Mount Laguna is to follow the sign directing hikers down the trail through the Burnt Rancheria CG and then right on the Sunrise Highway. You will pass a restaurant, an outfitter, and another restaurant on the way to the Mount Laguna Lodge. Non-purist hikers can continue past the lodge to the Desert View Picnic area to rejoin the PCT, bypassing 1.2 miles of the trail, or you can backtrack on the highway to the campground. | ||||||
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46
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41.4 | **Mount Laguna Visitor Center
[just north of the store] |
Faucets are back on. | 5/31/15 | Crest Runner | ||
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47
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A6 | 42.6 | WR043 | **Desert View Picnic Area | Faucets are back on. | 5/31/15 | Crest Runner |
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48
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A6 | 47.5 | LagunaCG | **Laguna Campground
[7/10 mi SW] |
Spigots on. No signs warning of ecoli. | 6/8/15 | Jamalibros |
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49
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Leave trail near wooden overlook. Total walk to the campground and back to the faucet is one mile round trip. | ||||||
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50
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A6 | 47.5 | Al Bahr Shrine Camp | The Shrine camp was burned by the 2013 Chariot Fire and it is now closed. | 7/13/13 | News reports | |
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51
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A6 | 47.8 | Oasis Spring [1/2 mi down] | ||||
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52
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A6 | 48.7 | WR049 | GATR faucet [1/10 mi W of PCT] | Faucet on, running well | 4/12/15 | Mountainprana |
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53
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GATR road in WP guidebook is now a trail. At Penny Pines there are 2 trails to the W toward Sunrise Hwy. The S trail is the most direct. Both trails are marked with Carsonite posts with a Noble Canyon Trail decal. Go 100 yards straight; then 50 yards across Sunrise Hwy to trough and faucet. Water system is filled by portable generator and subject to outage. | ||||||
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54
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A7 | 52.6 | WR053 | Pioneer Mail Picnic Area | Faucet on clear water, tub full but mutky. | 5/25/15 | Tuna Helper |
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55
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At north end of parking area is a trough fed from a water tank [limited supply].  Filter or treat the water before drinking. | ||||||
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56
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A7 | 57 | Oriflamme Cyn [usually dry] | Dry | 3/12/15 | Haiku | |
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57
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A8 | 59.5 | WRCS059 | *Sunrise Trailhead [1/2 mi W] | trough full of clear water, water in tank also | 6/3/15 | Bugman |
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58
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Follow the trail marked with the sign "Sunrise Highway .25 Mi" on a post that travels along the 5,000-foot contour 1/4 mile SW to the highway. Across the highway to the South is a parking lot and outhouse. To W a well and tank are visible. Follow the old road marked "El Cigna Trail" W 1/8 mile past the corrals to well. Push down float valve at the trough down to get fresh water, or just filter from trough. | ||||||
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59
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A8 | 62.4 | WR062 | Mason Valley Truck Trail
[fire tank 75 yds E, usually dry] |
Dry | 4/12/15 | Spencer |
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60
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A8 | 63.7 | WR064A, B, C | Upper Chariot Cyn [8/10 - 1.4 mi N] | Dry | 3/11/15 | Haiku |
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61
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When you reach unpaved Chariot Canyon Rd go right to stay on the PCT. If you
turn left you will go N down Chariot Canyon to possible seasonal water. WR064a is a seasonal creek crossing Chariot
Canyon Rd, shade, 8/10 mile N of the PCT [2/10 mile N of the StatePark boundary sign]. WR064b is a Fire Tank, 1.2
miles N of the PCT. WR064c is Seasonal Chariot Canyon Spring, 1.4 miles N of the PCT [spring is on the W side of the
road hidden from view by several large oak trees].
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62
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A9 | 68.4 | WRCS068 | **Rodriguez Spur Truck Tr
[Concrete fire tank visible 75 ft W] |
Water available from tank, please turn the knob off as hard as you can to minimize the leaking drips. | 5/26/15 | Tuna Helper |
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63
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The faucet assembly is located about 70 feet down slope from the highly visible
concrete water tank. Opening the small plastic valve is ALL HIKERS have to do. THE LARGE METAL VALVE should NOT be
tampered with! Also under the lid, is a short length of garden hose that hikers can use.
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64
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Target shooting by multiple parties continues on BLM land below (east of) trail
just south of Rodriquez Spur Truck Trail crossing (mile 68.4) per Daytripper on 1/4/14.
Just south of the Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail intersection, people were target shooting from the dirt road towards the PCT, which zigzags above and parallel to the road. While their trajectory was lower elevation than the trail (I think), there did not appear to be much margin for error. 11/4/13 per Aaron |
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65
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A9 | 68.4 | WR068B | Spring 1.1 miles NW of PCT | |||
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66
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Spring on Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail, 1.1 miles NW of PCT, 70 feet from the large rust colored water tank. | ||||||
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67
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A10 | 77 | WRCS077 | Scissors Crossing | |||
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68
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The Scissors Crossing water cache is no longer maintained. Water can be found 12 miles W in the small town of Julian, or at the Stagecoach Trails RV park 4 miles S of the PCT on Highway S2. | ||||||
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69
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Stagecoach Trails campground store just east of Scissors Crossing is open. Camping and showers available. (Jackie Cox - 4/28/15) | ||||||
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70
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A10 | 77.1 | San Felipe Creek, Hwy 78
[usually dry] |
Dry | 6/7/15 | Len | |
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71
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In spring, there MAY be shallow water 250 yards NNW in stream under large healthy-looking cottonwood trees (that look like trees and not large shrubs) walk right side of streambed until near these trees | ||||||
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72
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A11 | 91.2 | WRCS091 | Third Gate Cache [1/4 mi E] | Water cache is well stocked. | 6/6/15 | Hammer |
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73
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A water cache can usually be found 1/4 mile E of the PCT down a side trail labeled with “Water” sign. It’s a lot of work getting the water out there, so take only what you need to hike the 9.9 miles to Barrel Spring. Make NO FIRES and carry out your trash. | ||||||
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74
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A11 | 91.2 | WR091B | Underground Cistern [6/10 mi E] | approximately 1 foot of water in the cistern. | 5/1/15 | Walter |
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75
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Follow the dirt road leading from the water cache about 4/10 mile to where the road turns right(E) but go left (N/NW) on an old unmarked trail for 1/10 mile to the underground cistern containing untreated water (a rope and bucket are supplied). | ||||||
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76
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A12 | 101.1 | WRCS101 | *Barrel Spring | Water in trough and a steady trickle from the spring | 7/3/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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77
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Some hikers are washing unmentionables in the trough. Please don't do this, since at some point the pipe may stop running and people will need to use the trough water on 4/26 per Cuddles. Water is piped from the Barrel Spring source to a trough at the PCT. To reach the spring source, follow the PCT southbound 330 feet, then take the unmarked trail west (uphill) 150 feet. Sometimes water can be found at the spring source when the pipe is not flowing. Ranchita store [4 miles E] may pick up hikers if you call their number<PHONE_NUMBER> [ATT has service at the spring area, Verizon and T Mobile no]. | ||||||
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78
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A12 | 104 | WR104 | Cattle Trough
[2/10 mi NE, visible from PCT] |
Steady trickle coming from pipe above trough | 3/16/15 | Haiku |
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79
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A12 | 104.4 | WR105 | Concrete trough below mouth of San Ysidro Creek [2/10 mi W] | Plenty of water flowing out of pipe, and trough is full. This was actually much easier to
access from 104.45 because
you can see it from the trail. When I tried at 104.40, I couldn't find it because the view was obstructed by a big tree. |
3/16/15 | Haiku |
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80
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A13 | 105 | WRCS105B | *San Ysidro Creek | Dry | 7/3/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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81
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San Ysidro Creek often has cattle nearby. | ||||||
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82
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A13 | 106.2 | WR106 | Eagle Rock Spring | |||
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83
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Spring-Fed Metal Trough - 3/10 mile N of Eagle Rock over hill near road | ||||||
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84
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A13 | 106.2 | WR016B | Water Tank [visible 2/10 mi S of PCT at Eagle Rock] | Good water at water tank 1/3 mile south of trail at 106.2 can see from trail seems pretty full have to go to trough and hold down plunger to get clean water should filter though. | 4/16/15 | Canadoug |
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85
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A13 | 107.9 | WR108 | Canada Verde | Dry in many places but shallow pools that will work in a pinch as you walk along the creek. | 7/3/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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86
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WARNING per Tuna Helper on 5/26/15: Just after gate at mile 109.3, was attacked by hornets while walking by, they were swarming the crotch of a large oak tree 8' off the ground. Stung in the back of the neck while running away. | ||||||
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87
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A13 | 109.5 | Hwy79 | Hwy 79 [1st crossing, small seasonal creek nearby] | Dry | 3/16/15 | Haiku |
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88
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Warner Springs Community about 100 yards east of PCT on the N side of Hwy 79. | ||||||
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89
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A13 | 109.5 | **Warner Springs [small town,1.2 mi NE of PCT; WS Resource Center is at the 1st PCT crossing of Hwy 79 across from the Fire Station] | WS Resource Center is open daily 8-4 for hikers. They have a great resupply store (including fuel canisters) for hikers. Showers, laundry, breakfast, lunch, free blister treatments, camping, computers and possibly wi-fi. Proceeds & donations fund the resources center. (Donations go to help other hikers as the previous are helping you.) Please thank all the volunteers who make this happen for us hikers.<PHONE_NUMBER> | 4/1/15 | Warner Springs Monty | |
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90
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The Warner Springs Resort is for sale & currently CLOSED, including gas station, mini mart, grill, and resort. Post office remains open M-F 8-4 & Sat. 8-1:30. WS Resource Center is open daily 8-4 for hikers. | ||||||
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91
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A13 | 109.5 | PO0110 | Warner Springs PO | Water spigot across the street of Post office in parking lot of Warner Springs Resort. Flows great. | 2/15/15 | Rainman |
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92
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CA Section B: Warner Springs to Highway 10 | ||||||
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93
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B1 | 111.4 | Hwy79b | Highway 79
[2nd crossing, Agua Caliente Creek] |
Dry | 7/3/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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94
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There is a spigot just south of Hwy 79 near a tire swing at about mile 111.3 (Spigot turned off as of 4/27/14 per Alia B.) | ||||||
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95
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B1 | 112.6 | WR113 | Agua Caliente Creek
[near picnic tables] |
Dry | 7/3/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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96
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B1 | 114.7 | WR115 | Agua Caliente Creek | All crossings dry but useable pools just above a couple crossings when you hit the wooden post where you climb up from the creek there is a good pool in the creek bed below the campsites. | 7/4/15 | Warner Springs Monty |
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97
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B1 | 115.5 | WR115B | *Agua Caliente Creek [last crossing] | |||
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98
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B2 | 119.6 | WR120 | *Lost Valley Spring [0.2 mi off trail] | Half full with no inflow. Strong sulphur smell like Trauma said and lots of bugs with an oily sheen on the whole surface. Looks like it'll go dry soon if people are taking for it | 4/23/15 | Metric |
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99
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The spring is only 300 yds off trail and 80 ft lower in elevation. Trail signed - look for 3 foot high cement post, then follow the abandoned road downhill 0.2 mi. (PCT turns right before post.) In early season there may be a better small stream 150 feet past the spring. | ||||||
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100
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B2 | 127.3 | WR127, B | **Chihuahua Valley Rd
[water tank 2/10 mile E] |
Plenty of water in tank by road and sign painted on the tank that says that water SHOULD be treated | 4/23/15 | Metric |
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101
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A trail has been cut about 1/4 mile South of Chihuahua Valley Rd that will
bring hikers down to the tank so we don't have to do the RD walk both ways.
0.2 mi E to driveway 31440 Chihuahua Valley Rd, then 0.1 m N to private NEW water tank above house. "water in tank should be filtered. If no water in tank there should be water on back porch - go through hole in fence next to water tank and down the trail to house there is a netted porch to keep the bugs off, and a shower out side." per Mike Herrera at the house (10/30/09). he is very eager to meet and assist hikers, they are welcome to stop by his place. (This is not an invitation to go in his house!) |
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102
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B4 | 136.5 | WR137 | Tule Creek [early season] | Dry | 4/23/15 | Metric |
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103
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B4 | 137 | WR137B | **Tule Spring & Fire Tank
[Tule Canyon Rd, 0.25 mi SE] |
Water flowing from faucet. The large fire tank is about half full. | 4/23/15 | Cloud Rider |
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104
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Fill up at the usually reliable and excellent Tule Spring for the 14.9 miles to Hwy 74. The water caches a few miles to the north probably will not be able to keep up with the demand from hikers & may run dry, especially during the peak of the herd. | ||||||
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105
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B4 | 139.5 | WR140 | Guzzler | Has water, was too dark to see water quality | 5/27/15 | Tuna Helper |
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106
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CAUTION - top is fragile and unsafe, do not stand on it. In Section 16 just after PCT goes sharp right to follow just below 2,600' contour on Map B4, beside trail on left. (Cistern is underground, looks like an 12x24' old broken parking lot) 1-foot diameter eyebrow opening with new (as of 4/9/14) chrome hand pump with 3-gallon bucket | ||||||
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107
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B4 | 140.2 | WRCS140B | Nance Canyon [early season] | Dry at trail | 5/27/15 | Tuna Helper |
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108
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B4 | 143.1 | RD0143 | Table Mtn Truck Trail AKA Sandy Jeep Road | This cache was removed for the season on 7/12/15 | 7/12/2015 | Chip & Vicky |
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109
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An unreliable seasonal water cache can sometimes be found here (DO NOT RELY ON WATER CACHES as water availability changes very quickly dependent on the number of hikers). | ||||||
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110
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B4 | 145.4 | Possible small cache on private land about 50 feet off trail. | Cache stocked | 5/27/15 | Tuna Helper | |
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111
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B5 | 151.9 | Hwy74 | Pines-to-Palms Hwy 74
[*Paradise Valley Cafe, 1 mi W] |
Faucet still working as well as the grill. | 4/24/15 | Cloud Rider |
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112
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The hiker-friendly Cafe is open Wed - Sun 8-8, Mon, Tues 9-3. Phone 951-659-FOOD. The Cafe accept hiker resupply packages sent to: Paradise Valley Cafe, 61721 State Highway 74, Mountain Center, Ca 92561. The hose out back has been removed, health dept issues. | ||||||
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113
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B6 | 155.4 | Penrod Cyn [usually dry] | Dry | 4/25/15 | Rustic | |
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114
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B6 | 158.4 | WR158 | *Live Oak Spring [1.0 mi E] | Great flow (filled several liters in under a minute), fantastic taste, & beautiful shady oasis - definitely worth the detour! | 4/25/15 | Rustic |
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115
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Descend from saddle on trail 1 mile to metal tub fed by metal pipe in middle of trail. | ||||||
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116
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B6 | 158.4 | WR158B | *Tunnel Spring [0.3 mi W] | Half a liter per minute of water flowing from the pipe. Water is clear with no odor or bad taste. Metal trough is full but coated in thick algae. | 5/3/15 | That Guy |
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117
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Make sure you take the RIGHT fork of the trail once you reach the bottom.
Spring is 40 yards upstream along use trail and dry creek. The trough is slowly fed from spring by pipe. Most report
a sulfur taste.
---------- If you head about 150 feet NE from the trough; low on the east embankment of the dry creek bed you will find an opening (about 2' wide X 1.5' high) to the tunnel.  The only caveat: the bottom of the pool is very fine, easily disturbed sediment. You will need a long suction tube on your filter system and some means of getting the business end of the tube far into the tunnel. Use a long stick or a trekking pole to get the tube placed in the middle, and raised off the bottom of the pool. Harold on 6/20/13 |
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118
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Mountain Fire Alternate:
Detour Mile 10.2 -- Lake Hemet Market is open Mo-Th 8a-8p; Fr-Sa 7a-9:30p; Su 7a-8p 4/29/15 per Armstrong Detour Mile 10.7 -- Hurkey Creek Campground -- Campground faucets working -- 4/24/15 per Clpoud Rider |
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119
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The PCT is closed due to the 2013 Mountain Fire from mile 162.6 to mile 177.2. Reportedly, two hikers received fines of $2,500 each for hiking through the closed section. (April 2014). An unofficial Halfmile map around the Mountain Fire closure can be found at www.pctmap.net/updates/ | ||||||
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120
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B7 | 162.6 | WR162 | *Cedar Spring [Trail 4E17, 1 mi N] | |||
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121
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500 ft drop. Piped tank, but corroded & only holds <6" water in bottom. A 2nd, 200 gallon green cattle trough w/better flow (esp. in fall) is another 300ft up canyon from 1st tank. Horizontal, USFS taps feed both tanks. | ||||||
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122
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B7 | 163.3 | WR163 | Eagle Spring [1/4 mi S, seasonal] | Dry | ||
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123
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Seasonal. 3/4 mile N past Cedar Spr jct, where PCT becomes 10' wide on a
ridge "hogback", on left a 2" dia 4'tall white PVC post, ~6-8' off on a side trail, marked
"Eagle Spring, 1/4" with an arrow pointing W (signpost obscured by bushes & easy to miss). Trail is
reasonably clear 4/30/11, however a little rocky in spots. At a lone Spruce tree at dry creekbed, trail resumes past
tree thru small overgrown section of trail another 300' to deadend at a 200 gallon cattle trough, perched on
hillside, with horizontal pipe tap drizzling into it. [In past rarely used]
HIKER ACCESS: If problem tap is clogged, or tank either stagnant or dry, access Spring Box directly. 15' directly behind tank is pile of large rocks. At the center is a 25 lb 9"x9" nearly square stone, 5" thick. CAREFULLY remove the stone and set it to side. Under it is 4"x12" slot between large rock slabs that access natural rock spring box holding 5-7 gallons of fresh water. The slot is large enough to dip a quart bottle. REINSTALL & ALLIGN the square stone back over access slot to keep frequent cows away from water. Note: Lion Spring the other side of PCT is dismantled and dry. |
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124
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B7 | 166.5 | FobesRanchTr | Fobes Saddle (0.5 m S) | 70 gallon Rubbermaid tub is full. If water is low, open valve on spigot and put green garden type hose into the tub. Nearby Scovel Creek is also flowing, but flow is low. | ||
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125
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Walk down old Fobes Trail [NW] ~0.8 mile to Scovel Crk (usually running during thruhike season, may go dry in summer). 100 ft past that creek crossing a forest service spring w/a 70-gallon rubbermaid tub w/pipe. Nice flat camp spot. | ||||||
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126
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B8 | 169.2 | WRCS169 | Apache Spring (Trail DOWN 0.5 mi E) | Water in the spring box is stagnant, smells pungent from ten feet and has lots of dead material in it. Drinkable if you're keen, water much better at 177 mile stream in meadow or at cistern 166.5 | ||
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127
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3 x 3 foot spring box, steep rocky trail down to it. | ||||||
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128
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B8 | 177.2 | WR177 | Tahquitz Creek | Dry | 2/16/2015 | Hikin Jim |
|
129
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B8 | 177.3 | TqtzValTr | Little Tahquitz Valley (Trail, 0.33 mi N) | |||
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130
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Two sources: 1=at creek x'ing on map just S of "Tahquitz Meadow." 2=spring just N of "V" in "Valley" & S of 4-way jct (UTM 11S<PHONE_NUMBER>632). From 4way jct in Tahquitz Val, go S towards Little Tahquitz Val.~2-3 mins S of jct is small drainage w/line of trees in it. Just S of drainage is edge of Tahquitz Mdw. ~20' past drainage, look 90deg E into mdw for log ~40-50' away lying ~parallel to trail. N end of log points to spring. Spg is closer to drainage than log but not in drainage. Walk N from log & listen for spring. Only see when close; flows from pipe into small recessed hollow. | ||||||
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131
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B9 | 179.4 | SaddleJct | Idyllwild 4.5 mi W of Saddle Junction | |||
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132
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The Idyllwild Public Library [951-659-2300] prints free copies of the Water Report for hikers. The library is located near the center of town in Strawberry Creek Plaza with the Post Office, grocery store, pharmacy, natural food store, & Pizza Co. Library hours are Mo 10-6, Tu 12-8, We 10-6, Th 12-5, Fr 12-5, Sa 10-4, Su closed. The library also has computers, wi-fi, paperback books. Trail register at the Post Office. | ||||||
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133
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These reports are provided as a free service to PCT hikers. I believe the information is accurate but the reports may contain errors. The reports are distributed in the hope that they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. |
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1
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Pacific Crest Trail Water Report -- Part Two: Idyllwild to Acton | Updated: 10:26am 7/16/15 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2
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Idyllwild, CA to Acton, CA | www.pctwater.com | |||||
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3
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Never rely on water caches!!! With the increase in the number of hikers, it's virtually impossible for anyone to maintain a cache that always has enough water. | ||||||
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4
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Send email updates to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or phone/text<PHONE_NUMBER> or 619-734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. Water reports are compiled from email updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports. Mileages and waypoint names used in this water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps [www.pctmap.net]. | ||||||
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5
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Beware of contaminated water.  You don’t know if a dead carcass was just removed from that tank/spring/creek or what’s hidden upstream. Purify backcountry water. Close lids on springs and tanks to protect water quality. | ||||||
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6
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Take fire safety seriously. It’s an unprecedented drought and our public lands are ready to burn. Generally, there will be strong fire restrictions in place this summer. Campfires will be banned. Alcohol stoves and smoking may also be. Make do without and use extreme caution if allowed. Rules change as you cross agency boundaries. Don’t be the one that destroys the trail. Alcohol stoves start fires – go stoveless or carry a stove with a contained fuel source and a shut-off valve. | ||||||
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7
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Water sources with blue text [marked with * or **] have historically been more reliable. Sources marked with ** are more likely to have water year-round than those marked with a single *. Water described as seasonal, usually dry, early spring, etc. are less reliable. | ||||||
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8
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Map | Mile | Waypoint | Location | Report | Date | Reported By |
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9
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CA Section B: Warner Springs to Highway 10 continued... | ||||||
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10
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B9 | 179.4 | SaddleJct | Idyllwild 4.5 mi W of Saddle Junction | |||
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11
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The Idyllwild Public Library [951-659-2300] prints free copies of the Water Report for hikers. The library is located near the center of town in Strawberry Creek Plaza with the Post Office, grocery store, pharmacy, natural food store, & Pizza Co. Library hours are Mo 10-6, Tu 12-8, We 10-6, Th 12-5, Fr 12-5, Sa 10-4, Su closed. The library also has computers, wi-fi, paperback books. | ||||||
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12
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B9 | 181.2 | WA0181 | *Wellmans Cienaga [7/10 mi N of PCT on trail to Wellmans Divide] | Strong drips 1/4 liter/min. | 4/27/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
13
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B9 | 182.1 | WR182 | Strawberry Cienaga | Small pool 1' x 6" and 4" deep. 1-2 L max, scoop helpful | 5/28/15 | Tuna Helper |
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14
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B9 | 183.3 | CS183B | Marion Creek [200 yds E of Strawberry Jct Camp] | Dripping, a few small muddy shallow pools | 5/28/15 | Tuna Helper |
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15
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183.8 | Spring | Very low flow, but flowing. Must have cup to collect with. | 5/24/15 | Hikin' Jim | ||
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16
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B9 | 184.1 | WR184 | Stone Creek | Dry at trail, small pool 10 m down stream | 7/4/15 | Hikin' Jim |
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17
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B9 | 185.6 | WR186 | Deer Springs, N Fork San Jacinto River | Dry at trail, small pools 40m down stream | 7/4/15 | Hikin' Jim |
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18
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B9 | 186.2 | WR186B | **Tributary of N. Fork San Jacinto River [best water in this area] | Flowing extremely well, multiple liters per minute | 7/4/15 | Hikin' Jim |
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19
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WR186B is usually the best water in this area and the last reliable water northbound until WR206! The descent off San Jacinto can be very hot and dry. Carry extra water! | ||||||
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20
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B9 | 186.4 | WR186C | Tributary of N. Fork San Jac River | Barely trickling about 10 m below trail | 7/4/15 | Hikin' Jim |
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21
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~197+ | Fuller Ridge | Approximately mile 197 - 190.5 | Dry | 4/16/15 | Offtrail | |
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22
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B10 | 190.5 | FullerRidgeTH | Fuller Ridge Trailhead
[150yds L, seasonal, often dry] |
Dry | 7/4/15 | Hikin' Jim |
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23
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Just when PCT meets dirt parking area, go left past yellow post & 3 brown posts 150 yds down side trail to meadow with tiny pools in stream bed. Continue down Springbox canyon 1/8 mile on "use trail" to old group camp year-round spring. | ||||||
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24
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B10 | 190.7 | BlackMtnCamp
[Seasonal, 1.3 mi SW on Rd 4S01] |
Dry | 7/4/2015 | Hikin' Jim | |
|
25
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This is the signed group camp, not the numerous other yellow post campsites.
Bathrooms are locked and spigots are turned off year-round.
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26
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B10 | 193.9 | WRCS194 | W Fork Snow Creek [Seasonal] | Dry | 4/28/15 | Cloud Rider |
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27
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The unmarked seasonal West Fork of Snow Creek is 1/10 mile S of the PCT on an umarked use trail just before a small gap. You know you've gone too far when you pass thru the gap & very shortly enter the burn area - the character of the landscape changes abruptly. Just as the trail is curving left to enter the gap, turn right and walk cross-country down the slope through fairly open living (not burned) pine forest. A very short distance from the trail you'll drop into a small dry ravine. Go up the embankment on the other side to an old road bed. Turn left and follow the road another short distance down to the bottom of the drainage - you'll leave the road as it bears left. There will be a clearing on the right and a stream in the woods straight ahead. Total duration off the PCT just a few minutes. The creek drains a portion of N slope of Fuller Ridge. Lots of camping in the vicinity. The topography between the trail and the stream is very mellow. If you find yourself in very steep/sketchy terrain, you're in the wrong area. Return to PCT the same way. Do NOT go downstream as terrain gets VERY dangerous.) (Weathercarrot 5/2012) | ||||||
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28
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B11 | 205.7 | WR206 | **Snow Canyon Rd
[Desert Water Agency faucet] |
Faucet on and refreshing! | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
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29
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The Desert Water Agenncy faucet is under vidoe survelance. | ||||||
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30
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B11 | 207 | RD207 | Snow Creek community, 15881 Falls Creek Rd | Tracker and Lance offer water, shade, citrus, & charging station. From trail road turn left onto Falls Creek, third house on right. Please respect privacy of neighbors. | 4/3/15 | Tracker |
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31
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B11 | 209.5 | Hwy10 | Cabazon [small town 4.5 mi W] | |||
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32
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California Section C: Highway 10 to Highway 15 near Cajon Pass | ||||||
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33
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C1 | 210.8 | ZiggyBear | *Whitewater Hiker House | Prepped and ready for the onslaught. Sobo's - please call ahead if you plan on visiting Ziggy and the Bear. Their number is<PHONE_NUMBER> | 4/3/15 | Winston Wolfe |
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34
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See http://whitewaterhikerhouse.blogspot.com for info | ||||||
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35
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~1 mile N of I-10 see a large water tank ~200' E of trail. We are house closest to water tank, w/high white fence surrounding back yard. Cut cross country 70 yds following trail angel signs, or follow access road to water tank (1st turn is right by new chain link fence & gate) to 1st right, then another right to 55230 Rockview Dr. | ||||||
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36
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C1 | ~211.2 | Cottonwood Crk [almost always dry] | Dry | 3/25/15 | Haiku | |
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37
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C1 | 213.4 | WR213 | **Mesa Wind Farm | No sign posted welcoming hikers, and the large faucet had a sign that said the water is not potable. Behind the fenced utility enclosure, there was a hose trickling into a trough, but it wasn't clear if this should be treated or not. Might be good if someone talked to them during business hours to get the scoop. | 3/25/15 | Haiku |
|
38
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Sign posted on trail indicating shade & water available and a friendly "Stop by and say Hi". 100 yds E, then 80 yds N. Office open M-F 6-2. Large (~1.5 inches) hose and valve by fence. Water is from tank (not ugly pond). Close valve tightly. Hiker Friendly. | ||||||
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39
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C1 | ~216 | North tributary Teutang Cyn [seasonal] | Dry | 3/25/15 | Haiku | |
|
40
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6/18/15 : The PCT is closed from Whitewater Preserve (218.6) to Onyx Summit
(252.1) due to the Lake Fire (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/).
----- From the PCTA website on 6/25/15 : The San Gorgonio Wilderness is closed. All hiking trails within the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area are closed, the Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Whitewater Preserve (mile 218.5) to Onxy Summit (mile 252.1). CAUTION: We believe that the PCT should be closed north of Onyx Summit as it appears that the fire has reached that area. Do not enter the vicinity at this time. Check inciweb for official changes. There is no recommended alternate route for walking around this fire. |
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41
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C2 | 218.6 | WRCS219 | **Whitewater Preserve | Faucet at ranger station on and ranger says is potable. Yellow faucet in picnic area on but should be treated. Bathroom sink water on. | 4/22/15 | Spencer |
|
42
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Former trout farm now owned by Wildlands Conservancy. Ranger Jack [760-325-7222] welcomes all PCT hikers from the trail. They have shade, water, toilets, and overnight camping for PCT hikers ONLY. They do NOT have showers or package dropoffs. Ranger Station open 8 AM - 5 PM daily. Had a phone that was possible to use. | ||||||
|
43
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C1 | 218.6 | Old jeep road near Whitewater Creek | ||||
|
44
|
C2 | 220.4 | WR220 | *Whitewater Creek
[just N of Red Dome] |
Flowing great | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
45
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C2 | 226.3 | WRCS226 | **Mission Creek crossing | 1-2' wide, 4" deep flowing great. | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
46
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C3 | 229.5 | WRCS229 | **Mission Creek | 1-2' wide, 4" deep flowing great. | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
47
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C3 | 231.4 | WRCS231 | **Mission Creek | 1-2' wide, 4" deep flowing great. | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
48
|
C3 | 232.2 | WRCS232 | **Mission Creek | 1-2' wide, 4" deep flowing great. | 5/29/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
49
|
C3 | 232.9 | WR233 | **Mission Creek Crossing | Flowing ok but only 6-12" wide and 1-2" deep tastes better than downstream | 5/30/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
50
|
C4 | 235.4 | WRCS235 | *Mission Creek, creekside camp | Low flow, will have to make a pool to fill bottles | 5/30/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
51
|
Beware of poodle dog bush and many downed trees from Mission Creek to Onyx Summit (per Robodoc 4/12/14). | ||||||
|
52
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C4 | 238.6 | WR239 | Forested flats junction | Flowing OK, many pools | 5/30/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
53
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C4 | 239.9 | WR240 | **Mission Spring Trail Camp | Great spring with icicles | 4/16/15 | Offtrail |
|
54
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When trail reaches dirt road, turn left SE thru 4x4 wood railing at end of road, then 60 yds up closed road to table. Then turn left E and walk 110 yards past horse corral. At end of corral turn right & follow path 100 yds to water in a gully, dripping off root into blue bucket. [Spigots at corral are capped off, but there may be a very slow gravity flow from a hose there.] Another possible source: at wood railing at end of road, turn 90 degrees right SSW up hill, then W 75 yds from road to concrete horse trough marked "USFS" | ||||||
|
55
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C5 | 250.19 | Water Pump on Rainbow Lane | Water was a bit yellow so we filtered it and it was fine.
----- Some hikers are having difficulty finding this water pump. If anyone has better directions from the PCT please let us know. |
5/4/15 | Cashmere & Physio | |
|
56
|
Gene Collins (new manager of the Cienaga Creek Ranch) and a former thru-hiker PCT '03 (aka The Good Woods Gnome) has installed a water pump that is available to PCT hikers on their property. At 250.19 on the Halfmile App, turn right at dirt road junction, then take the right fork (Rainbow Lane on the Guthook Maps). Travel approximately 1/4 mile, passing paved driveway on right and then seeing Kopitch Cottage wooden sign on right, continue on Rainbow Lane approx 75 feet. Water faucet is down embankment to left. | ||||||
|
57
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C5 | 252.1 | WR252 | Onyx Summit Cache | Cache no longer maintained. | 3/14/15 | Coastal |
|
58
|
6/18/15 : The PCT is closed from Whitewater Preserve (218.6) to Onyx Summit
(252.1) due to the Lake Fire (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/).
----- From the PCTA website on 6/25/15 : The San Gorgonio Wilderness is closed. All hiking trails within the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area are closed, the Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Whitewater Preserve (mile 218.5) to Onxy Summit (mile 252.1). CAUTION: We believe that the PCT should be closed north of Onyx Summit as it appears that the fire has reached that area. Do not enter the vicinity at this time. Check inciweb for official changes. There is no recommended alternate route for walking around this fire. |
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|
59
|
C5 | 256.1 | WR256 | Arrastre Trail Camp at Deer Spring [faucet] | Faucet is off | 6/26/15 | Popocat |
|
60
|
This faucet is probalby unreliable and only works intermitantly. We have recieved a number of conflicting reports from hikers about this location. Faucet in camp labeled non-potable, for horses only. Trail crosses creek-bed several times for ~mile before camp & several miles after. | ||||||
|
61
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C6 | 256.6 | WR256B | **Spring N of Arrastre Trail Camp | Spring dripping at 2L / minute on the slope right next to the trail in a tiny little mini-cave | 7/1/15 | Doran |
|
62
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C5 | 257.8 | WR258 | Creek crossing N of Arrastre Camp | Slight flow across trail, 1-2" deep, 1-2 foot wide | 7/1/15 | Doran |
|
63
|
C5 | 258.5 | WRCS258 | Creek crossing N of Arrastre Camp | Low flow, but enough to gather from | 6/26/15 | Popocat |
|
64
|
C7 | 268.5 | WR268 | **Doble Trail Camp | Low flow but good water | 6/26/15 | Popocat |
|
65
|
C7 | 272.7 | 2nd jeep rd
[Saragossa Spr 0.67 mi N] |
Saragossa Spr - no water visible from the trail | 5/2/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
66
|
C7 | 274.9 | WR275 | Caribou Crk at Van Dusen Cyn Rd | fairly small standing puddle next to trail | 6/26/15 | Popocat |
|
67
|
C9 | 281.1 | Delamar Spring
[Rd 3N12, 0.9 mi W] |
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|
68
|
C9 | 285.4 | WR285 | Little Bear Springs Trail Camp | Faucet is on | 6/25/15 | Popocat |
|
69
|
Faucet is slightly uphill & to left from new picnic table | ||||||
|
70
|
C9 | 285.7 | WR286 | Holcomb Creek | low flow, pools and algae | 6/25/15 | Popocat |
|
71
|
C9 | 286.7 | WRCS0287 | Side Creek | Side creek flowing 1/2 liter/min | 5/5/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
72
|
287.1 | Holcomb Creek | Great flow | 6/25/15 | Popocat | ||
|
73
|
287.5 | Holcomb Creek | Great flow | 6/25/15 | Popocat | ||
|
74
|
291.34 | Creek | pools of water, but no flow | 4/2/15 | Haiku | ||
|
75
|
C10 | ~291.8 | Cienega Larga Fork | Dry | 4/27/15 | Spencer | |
|
76
|
C10 | 292.4 | WRCS292 | *Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Rd. | Great flow | 6/25/15 | Popocat |
|
77
|
C10 | 293.3 | Cienega Redonda Tr @fork of Holcomb Crk | Good flow | 4/27/15 | Spencer | |
|
78
|
C10 | 293.7 | WR294 | **Holcolmb Creek at Hawes Ranch Trail | Great flow | 6/25/15 | Popocat |
|
79
|
C10 | 294.6 | BenchCamp | **Holcomb Crossing [Trail Camp] | Great flow | 6/25/15 | Popocat |
|
80
|
295.74 | WR296 | Piped Spring | Slow drip, 10 min/liter, bad taste | 5/5/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
81
|
C11 | 298.5 | WR299 | **Deep Creek Bridge | Great flow | 6/2/15 | Rustic |
|
82
|
301.3 | RD0301 | Unpaved road to Deep Creek day use area. Access to Deep Creek. | Great flow | 6/2/15 | Rustic | |
|
83
|
305.76 | Willow Creek | No water | 6/24/15 | Popocat | ||
|
84
|
Please be aware that the USDA has issued a warning not to drink the water or dunk your head in Deep Creek Hot Spring because of the presence of a potentially fatal disease and pollution from human waste. | ||||||
|
85
|
C12 | 308 | WR0308 | **Deep Creek Hot Spring | Large creek many gal/min, use water upstream from bathers. | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
86
|
309.3 | WR0309 | Small Creek | 1 gal/min, go 50 meters upstream to second waterfall for really good water, watch out for poison oak. | 6/24/15 | Popocat | |
|
87
|
C13 | 313.6 | WR0314 | **Deep Creek ford | Medium flow, with a slight oily sheen on the surface | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
88
|
C13 | ~314 | W Fork Mojave River | Dry | 6/24/15 | Popocat | |
|
89
|
C13 | 316.2 | WR316 | Trailside spring in canyon [seasonal] | Dry | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
90
|
C13 | 317.4 | WR317 | Piped spring before Grass Valley Creek | Flowing 1L / minute & tastes great! | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
91
|
To find the piped spring, look for a big clump of long green grass 6 feet to the north side of the trail. Look for black tube and wooden arrow with "H2O" on it. If you are hiking northbound, there is a sandy campsite down below the trail immediately before the spring. If you reach the signed connector trail to the Mojave River Campground at mile 317.6, you have missed it. | ||||||
|
92
|
C13 | 318 | WRCS0318 | Grass Valley Creek | Dry | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
93
|
At the power line around mile 318 - 318.5: Beware of target shooting from N side just off Hwy 173 toward the trail. Not sure if this is a regular issue or not, but was on 10/10/12 per Steve. Scrub reported the same issue with target shooters on 5/25/13. | ||||||
|
94
|
C13 | 320.3 | Summit Valley Store closed indefinitely | - | - | ||
|
95
|
C13 | 323.6 | WR324 | Cedar Springs Dam Outlet
[pools below dam at PCT] |
Flowing, but absolutely coated in algae - pretty gross | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
96
|
C14 | 325.4 | WR0325 | Trail side beach on the lake | Lake is full | 6/24/15 | Popocat |
|
97
|
C14 | 328.7 | WR329 | **Cleghorn Picnic Area
[two-lane bike path, 0.5 mi E] |
drinking fountains off but red spigot and bathrooms open with water on | 6/1/15 | Tuna Helper |
|
98
|
road passes park office while paralleling PCT & xing pct again after office. Water hose bib & fountain in parking lot & in group camp past highway. Lots of cold water in stream in culvert under Hwy 173 | ||||||
|
99
|
329.78 | Dry | 4/12/15 | Rick | |||
|
100
|
C14 | 333 | WR333 | Small stream | Dry | 6/23/15 | Popocat |
|
101
|
Watch for poison oak at WR333. | ||||||
|
102
|
C15 | 335.6 | Little Horsethief Canyon [dry creek] | Dry | 4/12/15 | Rick | |
|
103
|
C15 | 341 | WR341 | Crowder Canyon | Dry | 6/23/15 | Popocat |
|
104
|
C15 | 342 | Hwy15 | **Interstate 15 in Cajon Canyon [4/10 mi NW, McDonalds, Mini Mart] | |||
|
105
|
California Sectoin D: Interstate 15 near Cajon Pass to Agua Dulce | ||||||
|
106
|
D1 | 347.2 | RD0347 | Swarthout Canyon Road | |||
|
107
|
D1 | 347.7 | WR348 | Bike Spring [block trough just below trail, usually dry] | Dry | 5/9/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
108
|
Poodle-dog bush report:
Mile 354 - 356: Significant amount of Poodle Dog Bush. A lot of plants at various stages of growth directly beside the trail. You need to be prepared to be a contortionist to avoid it. Brad 6/17/15 |
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|
109
|
D3 | 363.5 | AcornTr | Wrightwood [Acorn Cyn Tr, 4.5 mi N or hitch from Hwy 2 @ mile 369.48] | Town [8"x8" post a foot high on left. Acorn Tr is to right.] - | - | - |
|
110
|
D3 | 364.5 | GuffyCG, WR365 | *Guffy Campground & nearby Spring | Small tub was full on 5/27 but only dripping once every 7-8 seconds. Would take a long time
for tub to refill.
 Per Mouse on 5/3/15: Water drips once per second. Small tub is currently full. Per Eskimo on 5/1/15: Water is at a very slow drip, maybe 1 drip/2 seconds. There was water in the tub, but 4 people wiped it out. |
5/27/15 | Slow & Steady |
|
111
|
Please send frequent updates about Guffy Spring. We want to monitor this critical water source closely. Thanks, Halfmile. | ||||||
|
112
|
Guffy Campround water is ~275 yards N DOWN STEEP slope to old red pump house in Flume Cyn. Take wide use trail at rock cairn on the right (N) below guard rail just before PCT enters the campgrd ~50 yds E of the water tank. Spring UTM 0439545, 3800530 elev. 7724. | ||||||
|
113
|
369 | Wrightwood | Community Center (0.2mi from hardware store) has public restrooms with running water if you just want to tank up on your way out. | 6/13/15 | Two Wars | ||
|
114
|
D4 | 370.4 | WR370 | *Grassy Hollow Visitor Center | Spigot next to outhouses and trash cans is on. Has metallic & sulpher tast. | 6/22/15 | Popocat |
|
115
|
D4 | 371.6 | Jackson Flat Group Campgrd [spur road] | spigots at the group camp are on
----- ample camping spots. Less than 1/10 mile off trail |
5/11/15 | Over Easy | |
|
116
|
OPTIONAL High Desert/Manzanita Trail Alternate, 5.8 miles long, connects
Vincent Gap to the South Fork Campground at mile 5.3 on the official Endangered Species Detour, Halfmile map D4A. A
useful and pleasant route to avoid the climb/descent of Mt Baden-Powell. (All per Andrew)
Mile 1.4 - flowing quickly and easy to collect -- 4/10/15 per Haiku Mile 2.8 - Dorr Canyon Creek, Dry -- 4/10/15 per Haiku Mile 3.7 - Creek, dry, though I could hear water running up hill and off trail -- 4/10/15 per Haiku |
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|
117
|
D4 | 375.9 | WR376 | Lamel Spring [150 yards S pf PCT] | tiny mud puddle, no water | 5/3/15 | Spencer |
|
118
|
D5 | 384 | WR384 | **Little Jimmy Spring | Ice cold and fast flowing water | 6/22/15 | Popocat |
|
119
|
D5 | ~384.2 | Windy Spring | Dry | 11/29/14 | Danger Monkey & Huh!? | |
|
120
|
Endangered Species Closure - In order to protect the mountain yellow-legged frog, the PCT is closed between Eagles Roost (390.2) and Burkhart Trail (393.8). Instead of a very dangerous road walk, the following detour is in place: | ||||||
|
121
|
From Islip Saddle leave PCT and go N on the South Fork Tr 4.8 miles to South
Fork Campgrd, then E on High Desert Natl Rec Trail & then the Burkhart Tr back to PCT, a total detour of 18.2
miles. Angeles National Forest. Closure order thru 12/31/11. See Halfmile's detour maps.
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122
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Detour Mile 0.9 -- Creek, steady trickle with some good pools -- 10/13/13 per
MelanieG
Detour Mile 1.1 -- Reed Spring on the map -- Steady trickle with clean pools -- 5/5/14 per FreeRange Detour Mile 5 -- South Fork of Big Rock Creek near campground -- large pool of water, good flow -- 4/10/15 per Haiku Detour Mile 5.3 -- South Fork Campground --Water tank and pipes uphill of large group campground. Top spring box looks to be the cleanest. Pipe has steady trickle of clear water. 10/13/13 per MelanieG Detour Mile 7.7 -- Holcomb Canyon -- good flow -- 4/10/15 per Haiku Detour Mile 10.5 -- Punchbowl Canyon Creek -- the creek flows under the trail. I could hear water flowing both uphill and downhill from the trail, but both sides were fenced off -- 4/10/15 per Haiku Detour Mile 10.8 -- Devils Punchbowl County Park (0.8 mile off detour, worth seeing) - A sign said that the drinking fountains were out of order. Only water is from visitor center -- when it's open. No hours posted. 5/19/13 per Hikin' Jim. Detour Mile 13.6 -- Cruthers Creek -- pools of water with slow flow. -- 4/11/15 per Haiku Detour Mile 19 -- Tributary of Little Rock Creek --flowing well, cold and clear -- 6/2/15 per Tuna Helper |
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5/5/14 Trail Report by FreeRange:
The first five miles are in poor condition with a very narrow, unstable trail. In my opinion, it was not safe, at least certainly not safer than a road walk. Even a few little-used areas on the other two segments were in bad shape, but most areas were great and very scenic. I only know of one other person who hiked this segment all week. |
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D7 | 391.8 | Little Rock Creek | within endangered species closure area | - | - | |
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125
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D7 | ~392.5 | Rattlesnake Spring | within endangered species closure area | - | - | |
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126
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~393 | Buckhorn campground | spigots on | 5/4/15 | Spencer | ||
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127
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D6 | 394 | BurkhartTr | L.RockCrk past Burkhart Tr | Very good flow | 4/11/15 | Haiku |
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128
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D6 | 394.3 | BurkhartTr2 | *Cooper Creek at Burkhart Trail | flowing well, cold and clear | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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129
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D6 | 394.3 | WR394 | *Seasonal Spring on Burkhart Trail [7/10 mile S of PCT on the old endangered species detour] | flowing well, cold and clear | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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130
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D6 | 395.5 | WR396 | *Cooper Canyon Trail Campground | Good flow | 6/1/15 | Vegy |
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131
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Turn left (south) from the PCT and enter the camp area. Water will be on your left down in creek bed. There's an outhouse here, too. | ||||||
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132
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D6 | 397.5 | WR398 | Headwaters of Cooper Canyon | Dry | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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133
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D6 | 399.8 | Seasonal Stream | Dry | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper | |
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134
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D7 | 400.9 | WR401 | Camp Glenwood | Water definitely on. No way of accessing water at tanks.
------ Per Brad Nelson on 5/11/15 : I am the camp director for Camp Glenwood around the 400 mile mark we have connected our waterline on 3/5/15 I suggest that the water should be filtered because our pipes are a little rusty and will need a little time for the water to clear up. |
6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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135
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D7 | 401.4 | RD0401B | PCT joins an abandoned roadbed | Dry | 5/12/15 | Cloud Rider |
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136
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D7 | 401.77 | Spring box & pipe. | Leaking faucet on trail under metal cover (propped open currently) 1-2 L pool, need scoop, but looks to replenish fast. Hard to miss lots of mud. | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper | |
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137
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There are two "water boxes" about 100 yards apart. May have to get
creative to collect.
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138
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D7 | 403.5 | Hwy2i | Three Points Trailhead | No water | 4/30/15 | Lizard & Pie |
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139
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406.48 | Small pool of water | No flow, about 5 inch deep pool next to trail | 5/12/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
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140
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D7 | 407.1 | WR407 | Sulphur Springs Camp | Need to walk past outhouse 400 feet to find spring. Running from faucet about 1 L a min,
tank on hill looks to be spilling over. Some water in pools in stream bed running with small pools to scoop from.
----- Per Spencer on 5/5/15 : Horse trough dry, creek has stagnant pools. There is a piped spring trickling at 2 min/liter at the far east side of the campground ~0.2 mi off the stock PCT, down the gravel road past the privies. |
6/1/15 | Vegy |
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141
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D7 | ~407.5 | Stream n/o Sulphur Springs Camp [seasonal] | Dry | 5/5/15 | Spencer | |
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142
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D7 | 410.4 | WR411 | Fiddleneck Spring | Dry | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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143
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D7 | 411.2 | WR411B | *Fountainhead Spring | Dry | 6/21/15 | Popocat |
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144
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417.79 | Small trickle | Dry | 6/21/15 | Popocat | ||
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145
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D8 | 418.8 | WR419 | **Mill Creek Summit Fire Station | spigot on and good to go (next to outhouse) | 6/2/15 | Tuna Helper |
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146
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Water spigots are located behind the Mill Creek Fire Station and at the Pony Park Day Use Area next to the fire station (spigot near the restroom). Mill Creek Station have posted a sign at the cut off trail and cleared the pony park area near the toilet and added another picnic table for through hikers. The access to water is next to the tables next to the toilet. Also overnight camping is down the drive way at the picnic area. | ||||||
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147
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Poodle-dog bush (PBD) or Common turricula may be found along the PCT in the burn areas about mile 410 to 437. The PCTA Trail Gorillas have been working continuouslly to clear the trail of PDB and at this time the PCT is clear except for an occasional small amount of PDB can easily be stepped around. PDB can cause skin irritation similar to poison oak. The plant may not be blooming so learn to identify it with and without flowers. | ||||||
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148
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Poodle-dog bush report:
Eeyore 5/7/15: There is poodle dog brush periodically from just before Three Points, around mile 403, to at least the Mill Creek Fire Station, at 418.6. Very little effort is required to avoid it in most places, but it is very common and you need to keep an eye out for it. Dayslate 4/20/15: When I passed through PCT mile 435-436 a trail crew had just cleared the last of the badly overgrown section of trail just before the firehouse. I hiked firehouse to firehouse on the trail and while there was lots of PDB it was all off trail or easily avoided with only a couple of locations requiring a push with a stick or off trail bypass around a plant. Blue Feather 4/6/15: No significant, at least to me, problems with PDB through this portion of trail - only a very few places where I had to be just a bit careful to avoid it. Trail appears to recently have been brushed and cleared of PDB in areas of heavy PDB infestation that previously existed around Mt Gleason. Overall I found the trail to be in good (in most places excellent) condition through this area - exceptions being some (maybe 10 or so) burnt snags fallen across the trail between ~404 and ~430, and overgrown brush in places (~434-435) descending to North Fork Station, but nothing difficult to get over, around or through. A small avalanche on trail north of North Fork Station may present problems for horses, but I am not a horse person and can’t really judge. |
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149
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D9 | ~425.7 | Big Buck Trail Camp [New] | [This is usually dry]
------ Per Spencer on 5/5/15 : No water |
5/6/15 | Spencer | |
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150
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425.82 | Small Spring | mucky water nestled among tons of stinging nettles | 5/1/15 | Mark | ||
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151
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D10 | ~426.5 | Old Big Buck Trail Camp site [early spring] | ||||
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152
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D10 | 430.6 | Messenger Flat | Messenger Flats Camp USFS. | No water | 5/6/15 | Spencer |
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153
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Deer Spring | Only in an emergency. Old trail from Lightning camp has large fallen trees to climb over
and is overgrown. Access to side of building heavily overgrown including poodle dog bush. Just carry extra from Mill
Creek.
----- Per Sierra Steve on 5/27/15 : Spring running well but challenging access. Easiest if you take the PDB detour @ 421.3. At sign Lightning Point Group 1/4 m./Msgr. Flats 1 m., take Lightning P left (PDB detour is right). Bear right at all junctions. Downed trees, bushes, flies, and avoidable PDB on last road. Total ~15 min. from sign and 200' drop. ----- Per Mark on 5/15/15 : Ample water that is very clean can be filtered from a shallow puddle of water flowing out from the bottom of the building door. If you stir it up accidentally, wait for ten minutes and it will be clear. Put your filter suction line on a couple of clean rocks to keep the silt out or it will plug quickly. |
5/31/15 | El Guapo | |||
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154
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A another water source very close to Messenger Flats is Deer Spring (N34.37563
W118.18223).
You have to walk about 0.7 mile (1 km) east on Mt Gleason Road aka Santa Clara Divide Road from Messenger Flat CG. Near the tee between Mt Gleason Rd and Mendenhall Ridge Road that goes to Lightning Point, you will find some electrical boxes and valve box next to the large road sign. You can see the buildings and water tanks below you through the trees. Either descend here or a safer way is to go another 1/4 mile to a gate shown as Mt Gleason campground on some maps, and there is an old road that takes you directly to Deer Spring. ----- Additional notes from Sierra Steve on 5/27/15: Spring running well but challenging access. Easiest if you take the PDB detour @ 421.3. At sign Lightning Point Group 1/4 m./Msgr. Flats 1 m., take Lightning P left (PDB detour is right). Bear right at all junctions. Downed trees, bushes, flies, and avoidable PDB on last road. Total ~15 min. from sign and 200' drop. |
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155
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431.84 | Small Spring | No flow detected | 5/6/15 | Spencer | ||
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156
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D10 | 432.1 | WR432 | Moody Cyn Rd [stream 50' before Rd] | Small trickle, collecting water would be difficult. | 5/14/15 | Cloud Rider |
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157
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D10 | 436.3 | WR436 | *North Fork Ranger Station BPL Rd 4N32 | Big bottles of water available behind the propane tank at North Fork Ranger Station behind (west side) of huge propane tank. Caretaker says he has plenty to keep these resupplied | 5/14/15 | Cloud Rider |
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158
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Good camping nearby at the horse corral area, less wind per Rebo on 4/18/15. | ||||||
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159
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D11 | 440.2 | Mattox Canyon | Dry | 5/14/15 | Cloud Rider | |
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160
|
D11 | 444.3 | ActonKOA | **Acton KOA
|
Water available from spigots | 5/13/15 | Two Wars |
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161
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The Acton KOA is a hiker-friendly campground 2/10 mile E of the PCT. The KOA has hiker camping [$15 per tent, includes hot showers], shade trees, swimming pool, coin laundry [$2.50 per load], Wi-Fi, and a small store [store hours are 9am - 5pm]. To reach the campground cross Soledad Canyon Rd and walk N on the PCT down the embankment. Look to the right and you will see the KOA campground across the flat open area. If you cross the creek you have gone too far. Hikers usually camp in the grassy area near the basketball court. The office and store is up the wooden stairs E of the basketball court. [The Robin's Nest RV Park west of the KOA closed in 2011] | ||||||
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162
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These reports are provided as a free service to PCT hikers. I believe the information is accurate but the reports may contain errors. The reports are distributed in the hope that they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. |
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1
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Pacific Crest Trail Water Report -- Part Three: Acton to Cottonwood Pass | Updated: 10:26am 7/16/15 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2
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Acton, CA to Cottonwood Pass
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www.pctwater.com | |||||
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3
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Never rely on water caches!!! With the increase in the number of hikers, it's virtually impossible for anyone to maintain a cache that always has enough water. | ||||||
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4
|
Send email updates to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or phone/text<PHONE_NUMBER> or 619-734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. Water reports are compiled from email updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports. Mileages and waypoint names used in this water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps [www.pctmap.net]. | ||||||
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5
|
Beware of contaminated water.  You don’t know if a dead carcass was just removed from that tank/spring/creek or what’s hidden upstream. Purify backcountry water. Close lids on springs and tanks to protect water quality. | ||||||
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6
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Take fire safety seriously. It’s an unprecedented drought and our public lands are ready to burn. Generally, there will be strong fire restrictions in place this summer. Campfires will be banned. Alcohol stoves and smoking may also be. Make do without and use extreme caution if allowed. Rules change as you cross agency boundaries. Don’t be the one that destroys the trail. Alcohol stoves start fires – go stoveless or carry a stove with a contained fuel source and a shut-off valve. | ||||||
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7
|
Water sources with blue text [marked with * or **] have historically been more reliable. Sources marked with ** are more likely to have water year-round than those marked with a single *. Water described as seasonal, usually dry, early spring, etc. are less reliable. | ||||||
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8
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Map | Mile | Waypoint | Location | Report | Date | Reported By |
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9
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California Section D: Interstate 15 near Cajon Pass to Agua Dulce continued... | ||||||
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10
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D11 | 444.4 | Santa Clara River | small pools with light flow, but very gross looking | 4/16/15 | Haiku | |
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11
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D12 | 451.1 | Hwy14 | Escondido Cyn just past tunnel under Hwy 14 | Dry | 5/17/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
12
|
451.7 | seep | This is a small stream through Vasquez Rocks. It had a very small flow with some muddy pools. Better to go to the faucet at the picnic area. | 5/17/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
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13
|
D12 | 452.9 | WR453 | **Vasquez Rocks picnic area | Faucets are on | 5/17/15 | Cloud Rider |
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14
|
There is a fountain behind a low but large juniper bush right by the pepper tree where the trail nears the parking area. Go to pepper tree; you'll see the horse nose troughs, then to your right you'll see the bush; go behind the bush and you'll see the fountain. | ||||||
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15
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D12 | ~453.4 | Ranger station | once on pavement, 0.2 miles on left by Park exit on Escondido Cyn Rd | |||
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16
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D12 | 454.4 | **Agua Dulce | Sweetwater Farms Market has everything to eat & drink that a hiker desires. | |||
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17
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D12 | 454.5 | HikerHeaven | **Hiker Heaven | Closed | 2/6/15 | Halfmile |
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18
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Hiker Heaven [AKA the Saufley's] in Agua Dulce has closed and is no longer hosting hikers or accepting resupply packages. The Acton KOA a RV park 10.2 miles to the south accepts has camping, showers, laundry and accepts resupply packages. | ||||||
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19
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California Section E: Agua Dulce to Highway 58 near Tehachapi Pass | ||||||
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20
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E2 | 463.3 | WR462 | *Bear Spring
[can be trickle late season] |
Flowing 1 liter per minute on right side of trail, trough empty. | 7/13/15 | Doran |
|
21
|
Spring is up the hill in the woods, a boxed area beneath a pipe. There is also a horse trough on the downhill side of the trail. | ||||||
|
22
|
E2 | 465.6 | RD0466 | Bouquet Canyon [usually dry] | Dry | 5/17/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
23
|
E2 | ~466.5 | Seasonal flows between Bouquet & San Francisquito Rd | Dry | 5/18/15 | Cloud Rider | |
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24
|
E3 | 478.2 | WR478 | **San Francisquito Canyon Rd
2/10 mi SW |
Hose on side of building turned off. Faucet behind building across driveway is on. | 5/18/15 | Cloud Rider |
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25
|
Green Valley fire station, 2/10 mile SW of PCT along the road has a water spigo on the side of building, in a small enclosed box. If turned off, try fire hose in box in parking lot marked "Green Valley" turn on outside valve. | ||||||
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26
|
"The Lounge Is ALWAYS Open!" says Joe [But they may not always be home off season] | ||||||
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27
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The PCT is closed due to the 2013 Powerhouse Fire from mile 478.2 - 492. New closure order 01-14-07 reduces length of closed trail. A 12.9 mile detour is possible that bypasses 15.2 miles of the PCT. This detour departs the PCT on San Francisquito Canyon Road, then follows Elizabeth Lake Rd, and rejoins the PCT via Shake Canyon (near road mile maker 4.54). An unofficial Halfmile map of the detour is at www.pctmap.net/updates/ | ||||||
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28
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Powerhouse Fire Alternate:
Detour Mile 4.5 -- Just off the road alternate at road mile marker 4.54 as you proceed back to PCT there is water in pools. They looked clear enough for filtering.. -- 5/11/15 per Marvin Detour Mile 6 -- The Rock Inn and Papas Country Store in the village of Lake Hughes Detour Mile 11.8 -- Flowing at 2 liters/min. Some stagnant pools in stream bed and one spot of flowing water just upstream from pipe spring. Watch for poison oak in valley. -- 5/18/15 per Cloud Rider |
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29
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[Robodoc reports that the yellow rope goes right through POISON OAK] An interesting trailside water source where the water trickled off a tree root, from a spring uphill, into a plastic bottle N34.66672 W118.46637 | ||||||
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30
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E5 | 493 | WRCS493 | Maxwell Trail Camp guzzler [1/10 mi N on 1st of 2 dirt roads] | |||
|
31
|
20 yards below road with white concrete slab that channels water into underground tank. Gray guzzler can be seen from trail; this road is grassy dirt, not just dirt | ||||||
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32
|
E5 | 493.5 | WR494 | Upper Shake Campground
[6/10 mi N] |
Just passed Shake Canyon creek, one apot of clear running water, about 10 min walk from Pine Canyon Rd, otherwise all stagnant pools | 5/1/15 | Offtrail |
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33
|
From the spur trail to the PCT: follow the campground road down and to the
right to the first picnic bench on the right. On the other side of the bench follow the unsigned and steep trail
downhill. About 1/10 of a mile down you'll see a pink ribbon on the left. Shortly after that the creek crossed
the trail you're on.
Upper Shake CG is closed to vehicles, and campground water faucets removed. It still has a pit toilet. |
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|
34
|
E5 | 496.2 | WR496 | Concrete tank at Ridgetop jct
[150 yds N] |
Don't bother. Tiny puddle 20 ft down, can't collect anything. Iron lid has rusted and become extremely difficult to lift. | 5/10/15 | Spencer |
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35
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At ridgetop jct of Maxwell TT 7N08, Burnt Pk Rd 7N23A, & Sawmill Mtn TT 7N23, follow Road 7N23 N for 90 yards, then follow the road to the left for 60 yards. Must lift heavy metal plate on top to access. (Len says these distances are 90 feet + 90 feet). Note that the heavy iron lid is secured with one bolt with a nut and another bolt without a nut. Lift the plate on one end just enough to clear to top of nutless bolt and then swivel the plate to reveal the water below. | ||||||
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36
|
E5 | 498.2 | Sawmill Campground [Wildlife guzzler near campground] | Good amount of water in the guzzler | 6/3/15 | Sierra Steve | |
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37
|
Some hikers have been having difficulty finding this water source. Here are new
directions to the wildlife guzzler water source near Sawmill Campground from Morning Star and Cookie Monster on
5/19/15:
1. When you enter the campground, follow the road straight on (right from the picnic tables) to the toilet building. 2. Continue walking along the road (on right side of the toilet) until you come to a junction. 3. Take the road to the right that goes up. 4. After about a minute walking you come to a new junction (with the Sawmill Campground sign). Take the road to the left that goes up. 5. After about 300 feet you will pass a small turn around loop on the left side (north). 6. A little bit further is a wooden sign and you will see in front of you, on the right side, a group of pines on a cleared slope. Look for a worn path up through the grass. 7. Follow the road until you pass the pines and clearing begins. 8. Go up, just behind the pines, onto this grassy hill and walk towards the big solo pine on the top. (South) 9. Walk to the right of it to a pine with two tops (looks a bit crooked). The water is just behind it at 34.6975, -118.5702 (The low guzzler roof is flat ridged metal about 25'/7.5m square). |
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38
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E6 | 502.4 | WR502 | Red Rock Water Tank | Very little water full of rusting in metal.
Per Cloud Rider on 5/18/15: Water is 8 feet down and inaccessible without a line. Lid is missing. |
6/3/15 | Sierra Steve |
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39
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At high point on trail, where PCT nears road. Easy to spot. Pry metal lid (may be covered with rocks) off tank and filter water out. You may need rope to get down to water in tank. | ||||||
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40
|
E6 | 502.4 | WR502B | Guzzler | Guzzler has plenty of water under lid. | 6/3/15 | Sierra Steve |
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41
|
NOBO directions to WR502B : From where you see a side trail from the PCT to the concrete water tank, stay on PCT. In a minute or two, look for a typical brown plastic PCT trail post on your right with: a hiker, word "trail," double arrow, & no motorcycles. Guzzler isn't visible from trail but is just ~5 steps uphill from the PCT trail post, coordinates: 34.704581, -118.617473. | ||||||
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42
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E6 | 504.6 | WR505 | Tank [guzzler] near Liebre Mtn Truck Trail 7N23 [100 yds E] | 100 gallons in tank under roof. Roof damaged so may not refill very well. | 5/18/15 | Cloud Rider |
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43
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The guzzler listed as is on the north side of 7N23. From where the PCT crosses 7N23 at mile 504.5, walk east for 120 yards. The guzzler is north of the road, it is not visible until you step about 5 feet east of the road. | ||||||
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44
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Another guzzler is is east of the road and south of the other guzzler, 0.13 mile down a road spur across from the entrance to Bear camp, that leads to a horse camp with broken corral. 11 S 0350718 3842608 -- 0.26 miles 350 deg NNW of mile 504.0 -- guzzler is full to the lip and water may be accessed from there by cup or pump per Pathfinder on 4/3/13 | ||||||
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45
|
E6 | 508.1 | WR508 | Canyon below Horse Camp | Water available from ravine below Horse Springs Campground as of 6/10. About a flow rate of
2 gpm.
----- Per Sierra Steve on 6/3/15 : Water flowing clear from a black PVC pipe (~1 liter per 90 seconds) about 20 ft up where you came to it. Quicker to scoop water from shallow pool at end of black pipes. |
6/18/15 | Wolfejim |
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46
|
Sign at the camp points to seasonal spring which is 160' below and SW of
Horse Camp. Route thru blowdowns is flagged with pink ribbons as of April 4 2015. Not accessible for stock, riders
would need to hand-carry water up to camp. Be advised of presence of nettles and friendly flying insects at spring.
Per GoalTech on 5/18/15 : It's ~3 min down (~225 ft down over ~0.2 miles) and a ~6 minute climb back up without a pack on. Don't go in your flip flops as it's not the PCT. |
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47
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E6 | 510.7 | WR511 | Pine Canyon creek and sag pond | Dry | 5/25/15 | Lampy |
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48
|
E6 | 511 | RD0511 | Pine Cyn Rd [100 yd SW] | Dry | 5/25/15 | Lampy |
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49
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Seasonal water downhill on road a few 100 yds from PCT to red mile marker 12.64 where a streamlet passes under road which pools on uphill side. Store in Three Points mentioned in guidebook is now a private home, so continue on to Hikertown. | ||||||
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50
|
E7 | 512 | WR512 | Seasonal Stream | Dry | 5/18/15 | Cloud Rider |
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51
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E7 | 517.6 | Hwy138B | **Hwy 138 - Hikertown | Faucet just inside gate at Hikertown is on. | 5/4/15 | Haiku |
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52
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Hikertown is on the N side of Hwy 138, NE of the PCT crossing. There's no check in, and no charge but donations are always appreciated (Bob Mayon 4/21/09). Hikers report $10 "donation" suggested to stay. www.hikertown.com | ||||||
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53
|
E7 | 517.6 | Gils Country Store is CLOSED | - | - | - | |
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54
|
E7 | 518.5 | WR519 | **Aqueduct | Plenty of water | 5/19/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
55
|
520.9 | Faucet from aqueduct | Water flowing from small upper faucet. | 5/19/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
|
56
|
E9 | 534.9 | WR535 | Cottonwood Creek bridge [Faucet] | Faucet Off | 6/5/15 | Sierra Steve |
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57
|
I checked with DWP about the water flow through the LA Aqueduct No 1 running
past Cottonwood bridge below Tylerhorse Canyon. No surprise, no water flowing. This year there is no water flow all
April in both legs of the LA Aqueduct system. They said their snowpack was even lower than last year, and it may
surpass their record low from winter 1976-1977.
------ Assume no water, the aqueduct is often dry here. Maintenance of the aqueduct can shut off water here. 100 yards south of the bridge look right for a small concrete building and a conspicuous "Trail Camp - Water" sign. Faucet is 15 yards downslope to your right. Sign says not potable but can be treated. ALSO, just north of the bridge behind the open shade shelter is a pipe that may drip water. |
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|
58
|
E10 | 536.9 | IberdrolaWF | Iberdrola Wind Farm water well
1.3 miles East of PCT |
Water is available 24/7 now via a 110 gallon tank with a spigot accessed thru the fence on the south side. | 3/21/15 | Mel |
|
59
|
Well is ~2.0 miles off trail at the operations and maintenance building (south side of the building with the spigot going through the fenceline). Signs will be posted to get you to the water. | ||||||
|
60
|
E11 | 541.6 | WRCS542 | *Tylerhorse Canyon | >2 gallons / minute flow | 6/6/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
61
|
549.3 | Small water cache | Small water cache, checked daily. | Larry & Sunshine | |||
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62
|
E12 | 555.6 | WR556 | "Tiger Tank" & shower
[Permanently shut off] |
Permanently shut down | 4/27/15 | Cameron |
|
63
|
E12 | 558.2 | WR558 | *Oak Creek | Dry | 5/20/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
64
|
E12 | 558.5 | RD0558 | Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road | |||
|
65
|
Tehachapi is 9.1 miles NW on Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd; Mojave is 11.5 miles E of the PCT on nearby Oak Creek Rd. Exiting the PCT here will be easier hitching to town, but adds 8 miles to the very long dry stretch of trail N of Hwy 58. | ||||||
|
66
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E13 | 566.5 | HWY58 | Highway 58 | Possible small water cache | ||
|
67
|
F: Highway 58 near Tehachapi Pass to Highway 178 at Walker Pass | ||||||
|
68
|
Tehachapi to Walker Pass is the driest section of the Pacific Crest Trial. Mary, who maintained several water caches in this section for many years, is no longer able to maintain them. Carry extra water and don't expect to find any reliable water caches in this section in 2015. | ||||||
|
69
|
F3 | 583.3 | WR583 | Golden Oaks Spring
- We are especially interested in water reports about this location. Please send info. |
White pipe 0.5L/minute, tarp dripping, back pipe dry. Trough has ~6"/15cm of water
with tadpoles. No more trash.
----- Update from PCTA at www.pcta.org/2015/the-glory-of-golden-oaks-spring-30883 |
6/17/15 | Sage & Little Foot |
|
70
|
Golden Oaks Spring : decent flow has been restored but check the Water Report in case drought conditions stop the flow of one or both of the 2 spring feeders to the trough. It's 35.6 miles from Hwy 58 (mile 566.5) to the usually reliable Robin Bird Spring (Mile 602.1). | ||||||
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71
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F5 | 602.1 | WR602 | **Robin Bird Spring [0.1 mi W] | A bit more than 0.5L/minute from 3" black PVC pipe near top of slope. Outflow at bottom of slope probably same. | 6/15/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
72
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New stile allows easy access through the fence. Follow galvanized pipe uphill for 20 yards to gushing pipe. Face lower barb wire fence, left corner has a gate that was wired shut such that it cannot be opened. Climb gate or fence. Climb uphill (150 ft?) toward tank. Below tank (75 ft?) is a black PVC pipe that feeds spring. | ||||||
|
73
|
F6 | 604.1 | WR604 | Cottonwood Creek branch
[Usually Dry] |
Dry | 5/25/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
74
|
F6 | 605.7 | WR606 | **Small concrete dam of spring uphill from PCT | Water dripping from rocks--would need patience. 2'/60cm deep clear-ish water in dam with some algae on top. | 5/30/15 | Minty Fresh |
|
75
|
F6 | 607.1 | WR607 | Landers Creek | Dry | 6/16/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
76
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F6 | 608.1 | WR608 | Landers Meadow drainage at 1st Piute Mountain Road crossing | Dry | 5/25/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
77
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F6 | 608.9 | WRCS609 | **Landers Camp fire tank, Forest Road 29S05 [2/10 mi N] | Flowing well out of pipe at 5L/min into a full trough. Water is crystal clear and excellent tasting. | 6/16/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
78
|
There is a faded sign on a tree before the road that goes to the large, 15-foot diameter water tank and a pipe for running water. | ||||||
|
79
|
F7 | 615.9 | WR616 | Kelso Valley Road | |||
|
80
|
The water cache that was once at Kelso Valley Road is no longer regularly maintained! You may hear on Facebook of random people occasionally dropping off water but this is NOT a water cache that can be counted on! | ||||||
|
81
|
Per Devilfish on 5/26/15: There is a pond 1.5 miles north (trail-west) of the
PCT down Kelso Valley Road towards Weldon. Follow the paved road until 0.3 miles after Butterbredt Canyon Road
(signed SC123) joins it from the right (this could be used as an alternate to rejoin the PCT @ mile 618); water is on
the left. The cattle-trod stream that starts flowing only shortly above this point in the valley is collected by an
earthen dam here. Murky, reedy, etc. but judging from its design as a bovine watering hole, presumably a reliable
source. There's no fence where hikers would descend the embankment, but a few hundred feet downhill, where
vehicles would approach the water, a sign says "no trespassing", "keep out".
Per Sierra Steve on 6/17/15 : Cow pond on Kelso Rd is murky but the stream going in is clear, ~0.25 - 0.5L/minute. ----- There's a similar cow pond 3.8 miles trail-west (WNW) of Bird Spring Pass (RD0631); just follow the road until you see the metal silo and water next to it (a few hundred feet off-road). This one lacks no trespassing signs, and implicitly invites hikers to use it by cautioning them to preserve the water source by camping at minimum distance from it. Long way to go for water, but probably reliable even when Yellow Jacket Spring and McIvers Spring are dry. One could even do a big alternate, bypassing 15 trail miles, down Kelso Valley Road and up Bird Spring Canyon Road, passing both sources. Per Sierra Steve on 6/17/15 : Cow pond on Bird Spring Cyn Rd looks & smells vile. |
||||||
|
82
|
F8 | 620 | WR620 | **Willow Spring
[1.4 mi N of PCT down gulley] - We are especially interested in water reports about this location. Please send info. |
We have heard several 2nd hand reports that Willow Spring may be dry.
----- Per Bucket on 5/22: Trough is dry, trough faucet broken, faucet outside fence not working. Accessible water in the marshy pond. Approx 3 feet of clear water in cistern uphill under the highest tree. ----- Per Spencer on 5/20/15: No flow from faucet. Metal trough has 4 inches of disgusting water. Directions to cistern on the other side of fence. Note says dead bird found in water here and dead rat found in cistern on 5/19!! ----- Per Haiku on 5/12/15 : No flow from faucet.  Inside the fenced area is a small swampy pond, and underneath the highest tree there is an underground water collection tank with a manhole cover. The overall water level was alarmingly low considering how important a source this is. |
5/27/15 | Various |
|
83
|
Willow Spring can be reached as a 3.2 mile alternate bypassing 1.9 miles of the
PCT. Follow the unsigned gully at PCT mile 620.03 [wooden PCT posts and Carsonite PCT markers are on either side of
this gully] for 1.4 miles N to unpaved Dove Spring Canyon Rd [SC103]. The gully is mostly easy walking, but does have
2 or 3 short boulder scrambles that some hikers will find uncomfortable. After reaching SC103, walk right [SE] for
2/10 mile to reach Willow Spring. From WR620 continue 1.6 miles SE on SC103 to rejoin the PCT at mile 621.9. Skillful
navigators can walk cross country east toward WR620 2/10 mile before the gully reaches SC103, shortening the
alternate by about 4/10 mile. It can be difficult to find the correct point to exit the gully before reaching SC103
because your view is blocked in the gully. Spring has faucet and cattle trough outside of fenced spring.
- If you would rather not hike down the gulley, continue on the PCT to RD0622 and then follow SC103 1.6 NW miles to Willow Spring. |
||||||
|
84
|
F8 | 621.9 | RD0622 | Dove Spring Canyon Rd [SC103] | Access to Willow Spring WR620, 1.6 miles NW on road SC103, see WR620 above. | ||
|
85
|
F9 | 630.8 | RD0631 | Bird Spring Pass
|
Flash floods have rendered Bird Spring Canyon inaccessible to vehicle traffic two miles up from its intersection with Kelso Valley Road. This road will be closed indefinitely until rebuilt. Haven't seen the east side of the pass, but should assume no caching here indefinitely. Also mud on Kelso Valley Road will impede ordinary vehicle traffic until CalTrans clears it. | 6/14/2015 | Devilfish |
|
86
|
The water cache that was once at Bird Spring Pass is no longer regularly maintained! You may hear on Facebook of random people occasionally dropping off water but this is NOT a water cache that can be counted on! In 2014 ~100 gallons of fresh water was stocked here and only lasted one day before it was completely depleted. | ||||||
|
87
|
F10 | 637 | WR637 | Yellow Jacket Spring [seep, signed Scodie Trail 0.7 mi NW]
----- We are especially interested in water reports about this location. Please send info. |
easily got 6 murky liters from the deepest hole that has sticks built up around it, it was full again by the time we left | 6/20/15 | Sage & Little Foot |
|
88
|
A sign on PCT says it's a seep & instructs hikers to dig a hole in the mud & let it fill up. At times, this spring can have a good flow. At the spring is a small sloping swampy meadow. Face downhill, keeping right of center, you can easily find clean, flowing water in early June of a moderate snowfall year. (not hard to find, just not as easy as a trough with a pipe). | ||||||
|
89
|
F12 | 644.1 | WR644 | McIvers Spring
[unmarked jct, 2/10 mi E] |
Completely dry | 4/19/15 | Erika |
|
90
|
When PCT turns off to left [N], continue straight on road to McIvers Spring and cabin. If no flow from pipe below cabin, may be small seep on ground ~50 ft upstream. The cabin and spring are heavily used by OHV'ers and hunters. Sadly, this isn't the nicest place for camping, as the cabin is dirty and run down and water is often fouled. | ||||||
|
91
|
F11 | 651.3 | CS0651 | Walker Pass Trailhead Campground [0.1 mi N, also Onyx town 17.6 mi W] | All 3 troughs are full with clear and cold water although one is full of pollywogs. | 5/24/15 | Katy |
|
92
|
Water at the Walker Pass Campground has not been reliable the past few years. If no water in the campground, try the spring-fed 9-ft-square concrete cistern 0.14 mile down the highway. Follow campground spur road to CA-178; turn L, follow highway downhill & around curve to R; just before curve warning sign [Near 30mph sign], an unpaved road downhill to L will appear; you can see low concrete trough to left from highway; walk down to it (dry); listen for running h2o to L; walk thru brush to 2nd low box (dry); but in 3rd, tall concrete box h2o flows from pipe at top edge. There may also be water in Canebrake Creek 1.8 miles west down Highway 178. | ||||||
|
93
|
Rita and Rick at Walker Pass Ranch are offering water in addition to hosting, shower, food, and rides. Directions are in logbook at Walker Pass. Take 178 west for 2 miles until it crosses Canebrake Creek, go 100 yds past it to first group of driveways on the left. Follow signs to Walker Pass Ranch. Guest house will be first house on the left, main house is just up the hill. Dogs are the doorbell. $20/night requested donation. Note: these trail angels are registered with the pcta and just started hosting in May2015 for the first time. | ||||||
|
94
|
California Section G: Highway 178 at Walker Pass to Crabtree Meadow near Mt. Whitney | ||||||
|
95
|
G2 | 663.5 | WR664 | Stream past rough dirt road [seasonal] | Dry | 5/29/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
96
|
G2 | 663.8 | WR664B | **Joshua Tree Spring [0.25 mi SW] | Pipe dripping @ 1L/15 minutes. Trough has a few puddles. | 6/30/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
97
|
BLM website and other reports warn of uraniun in Joshua Tree Spring. Spoke to Mr. Larson of BLM Bakersfield. According to him most water sources in the Sierras contain uranium in different levels, but most springs are not tested. This one is tested and the uranium level is above the drinking water limit (designed for a lifelong intake in a typical household). Everybody has to judge for himself, but Mr. Larson would personally drink it if treated for the normal bugs while on the PCT. - Joerg 9/8/13 | ||||||
|
98
|
Note: There are several stream crossings in the Spanish Needle Creek area. It is possible to confuse which crossing you are at. If you find good water, don't pass it if you need it, as the next branch of the creek might be dry! | ||||||
|
99
|
G2 | 668.7 | WR669 | Branch of Spanish Needle Creek [1st crossing] | Damp soil but no flow detected. | 6/30/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
100
|
G2 | 669.4 | WA669B | Another crossing of Spanish Needle Creek | Damp soil but no flow detected. | 6/30/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
101
|
G2 | 670 | WR670 | **Spring-fed branch of Spanish Needle Crk [2nd crossing] | Strong trickle a few steps up. Several small pools. Using scoop, filled 1L/minute several times. | 6/30/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
102
|
G2 | 670.2 | WR670B | Spanish Needle Crk [4th crossing] | Strong trickle a few steps up. Several small pools. Using scoop, filled 1L/minute several times. | 6/30/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
103
|
G3 | 680.8 | WR681 | Chimney Crk [seasonal] | Flowing at 10L/min. Water is clear and tastes fine. Northbound Directions: pass dry creek
bed then continue 50 yards until you see brown masonite post. Take trail on right to a small waterfall.
----- Dry at trail crossing, but look for use trail heading right towards the creek near a carsonite wilderness boundary marker just before Canebrake Rd to access good water |
6/16/15 | Rustic, Notsofast |
|
104
|
G3 | 680.9 | RD0681 | Chimney Crk Campgrd [3/10 mi NE] | Faucet at site #36 working fine, creek flowing well upstream from trail | 6/28/15 | Devilfish |
|
105
|
PCT crosses seasonal Chimney Creek before Canebrake Rd. 3/4 mile up from campground kiosk a spigot can be found near campsite #36. | ||||||
|
106
|
G4 | 683.1 | WR683 | *Fox Mill Spring | Pipe flowing at 0.5L/minute. Trough half full, but has dead & alive insects. Stream past trough at >2L/min. | 7/1/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
107
|
There is usually a nice small flow stream behind the Fox Mill Spring tank. Keep following the trail past the tank for about 30 ft and you will see it. | ||||||
|
108
|
G5 | 693.5 | WR694 | First creek in Rockhouse Basin [Manter Creek] | Small clear pools ~20 steps downstream just deep enough for Smartwater bottle. Strong trickle inflow. (Nothing upstream.) | 7/2/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
109
|
G6 | 697.9 | WR699 | **South Fork Kern River | Large murky pools but no flow. Another mile or so are flowing dark pools. | 7/2/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
110
|
G6 | 702.2 | KMStore | **Kennedy Meadows General Store [1/2 mi SE from bridge] | spigot on, located across from women's restroom to the left of the trail when going NoBo (Hours vary, but usually 9-5 during hiker season) | 6/18/15 | Rustic |
|
111
|
G7 | 704.7 | KennedyMdwCG | Kennedy Meadows Campground | Faucets on | 5/19/15 | Haiku |
|
112
|
G7 | 706.6 | WA0707 | **S Fork Kern River [bridge]
|
Flowing and wonderfully clear & refreshing! | 7/4/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
113
|
G8 | 708.6 | WA709 | Crag Creek | 2L/min flow about 100 yards upstream of crossing. Water has a very slight algal taste.
----- Mucky & stagnant pools at trail crossing, better water access via a use trail from the campsite at mile 709.5 near Clover Meadow |
6/19/15 | Rustic, Notsofast |
|
114
|
G8 | 709.5 | CS0710 | Campsite 200 feet W of trail | Good flow, ~2 liters per 30 seconds | 5/12/15 | Rebo |
|
115
|
G9 | 713.7 | WA0714 | **Spring, trough, near Beck Mdw | Trough was dry. Good water in spring pool about 10 yards up the hill from trough. | 7/4/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
116
|
G9 | 716.5 | WACS0716 | **South Fork Kern River | Flowing at several gallons per minute. Cow pies everywhere. Water tastes like cow pies.
Collect water upstream of bridge to avoid swift droppings.
----- Flowing, but tastes like cigarette butts / dirt / manure, depending on your palate. Saw tons of cows in/near water. Gather upstream from bridge b/c of sparrow poop. |
7/4/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
117
|
G10 | 719.2 | WACS0719 | Cow Creek | Dry at trail crossing. At various points between here and WA0720 there is tiny flow and small pools. Get H2O at the first usable pool. | 7/4/15 | Sierra Steve |
|
118
|
G10 | 719.8 | WA0720 | Cow Creek | flowing at 0.25L/min | 6/19/15 | Notsofast |
|
119
|
G10 | 721.6 | WA0722 | **Cow Creek | small clear pool with no discernible flow
----- Low flow, tastes infinitely better than S Fork Kern |
6/19/15 | Rustic, Notsofast |
|
120
|
G11 | 727 | WA0727 | Creek | Dry | 6/2/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
121
|
G11 | 728.1 | WA0728 | Seasonal creek | Tiny flow. Pools of scummy water. | 6/2/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
122
|
G11 | 730.8 | WACS0731 | Death Canyon Creek | Stagnant pool at trail crossing, but there's water from a spring about 0.2 miles down a signed use trail just past the crossing - slow drip, easier to just gather from pool beneath spring using scoop | 6/19/15 | Rustic |
|
123
|
G11 | 730.8 | WA731B | **Spring [2/10 mile NE of PCT] | 2L/min flowing out from under a large rock. Excellent, refreshingly cold water. | 6/20/15 | Notsofast |
|
124
|
G12 | 736.4 | WA0736 | Spring, 3/10 mile N of PCT | Dry | 5/2/15 | Mountain Education |
|
125
|
G13 | 741.7 | WACS0742 | **Diaz Creek | 1 gallon/min flow. Pools just deep enough to dip a water bottle. Water tastes slightly
muddy
----- Very low flow - easier to collect w/ scoop; follow unsigned use trail for 0.1 mile, then hang left at another unsigned use trail for best access |
6/20/15 | Rustic, Notsofast |
|
126
|
G13 | 743 | WA0743 | Dutch Meadow Spring | Low flow; follow unsigned use trail to the left of horse corral & listen for sound of running water below | 6/20/15 | Rustic |
|
127
|
5/13/15 : Per Rebo --> Horseshoe Meadows Creek is flowing but spigots in campground are not turned on. Gate opened May 1st to Horseshoe Meadows from Lone Pine. No water in campground as of May 2nd. | ||||||
|
128
|
G13 | 746.8 | WA0747 | **Poison Meadow Spring | Flowing at 2L/min, though hard to collect efficiently due to finicky waterfall; consider bringing a large leaf to help funnel it. Water tastes great despite the bad name. | 6/20/15 | Notsofast |
|
129
|
G14 | 750.8 | WA0751 | Chicken Spring Lake Outflow | Lake outflow is dry, but there is plenty of water in the lake itself. | 6/21/15 | Notsofast |
|
130
|
G15 | 759.4 | WA0759 | Creek | 5L/min flow of delicious water | 6/21/15 | Notsofast |
|
131
|
760 | Rock Creek | Large creek with many gallons per minute flow. | 6/3/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
|
132
|
WA0762 | Guyot Creek | barely trickling, with many pools of stagnant water | 6/23/15 | Starbuck & Apollo | ||
|
133
|
These reports are provided as a free service to PCT hikers. We believe the information is accurate but the reports may contain errors. The reports are distributed in the hope that they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. |
|
1
|
Pacific Crest Trail Water Report -- Northern CA: Sierra City, CA to Ashland, OR | Updated: 10:26am 7/16/15 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2
|
Sierra City, CA to Ashland, OR
|
www.pctwater.com | ||||||
|
3
|
Never rely on water caches!!! With the increase in the number of hikers, it's virtually impossible for anyone to maintain a cache that always has enough water. | |||||||
|
4
|
Send email updates to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or phone/text<PHONE_NUMBER> or 619-734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. Water reports are compiled from email updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports. Mileages and waypoint names used in this water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps [www.pctmap.net]. | |||||||
|
5
|
Beware of contaminated water.  You don’t know if a dead carcass was just removed from that tank/spring/creek or what’s hidden upstream. Purify backcountry water. Close lids on springs and tanks to protect water quality. | |||||||
|
6
|
Take fire safety seriously. It’s an unprecedented drought and our public lands are ready to burn. Generally, there will be strong fire restrictions in place this summer. Campfires will be banned. Alcohol stoves and smoking may also be. Make do without and use extreme caution if allowed. Rules change as you cross agency boundaries. Don’t be the one that destroys the trail. Alcohol stoves start fires – go stoveless or carry a stove with a contained fuel source and a shut-off valve. | |||||||
|
7
|
Water sources with blue text [marked with * or **] have historically been more reliable. Sources marked with ** are more likely to have water year-round than those marked with a single *. Water described as seasonal, usually dry, early spring, etc. are less reliable. | |||||||
|
8
|
Map | Mile | Old Mile* | Waypoint | Location | Report | Date | Reported By |
|
9
|
M5 | 1195.4 | 1197.5 | Church1195 | Church, 1.4 miles southwest of PCT in Sierra City, water, hikers allowed to camp on lawn, public restroom nearby. | |||
|
10
|
1195.4 | 1197.5 | Sierra City | |||||
|
11
|
M1 | 1197.2 | 1199.3 | WA1197 | Switchback spring | 2 liters per minute | 7/6/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
12
|
M5 | 1200.7 | WA1201 | Seasonal spring | Trickle across the rocks, would be very difficult to collect. | 7/6/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
13
|
M1 | 1202.6 | WA1203 | Sierra Buttes Spring | 2 liters/min 50ft down small trail. Best tasting water for the last hundred miles. | 7/6/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
14
|
M2 | 1209.2 | 1211.7 | RD1209 | Unpaved road to Summit Lake, water at Summit Lake. | damaged by off road vehicle, lake is more like a pond lots of algae had to strain through bandana first then filter very time consuming, water warm also | 6/23/15 | Canadoug |
|
15
|
M3 | 1211.9 | WA1212 | Pauley Seep, 100 yards off trail. | Note that the sign is facing southbound traffic so watch for a faint use trail to avoid missing it. | 5/30/15 | Herb | |
|
16
|
M3 | 1213.5 | 1216.1 | WA1214 | Piped spring 1/10 mile E of PCT | 4 liters/min of nice cold water | 7/6/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
17
|
M3 | 1213.5 | WA1214B | Trail junction to Little Jamison Creek, 200 feet off-trail. | >1 liter/min. Shallow with some pools where you can collect water. | 7/6/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
18
|
M3 | 1213.6 | WACS1214 | Small pond, trail junction to creek and piped spring | ||||
|
19
|
M3 | 1217.2 | 1219.9 | WA1217 | *A Tree spring | flowing 5L per minute, clear and cold | 6/23/15 | Canadoug |
|
20
|
M4 | 1221.3 | WA1221 | Small creek | Small creek - 1 gal/min of good water. | 7/7/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
21
|
M4 | 1221.5 | 1224.3 | WACS1221 | Seasonal W Branch Nelson Creek | not flowing across trail have to go upstream to get low flow | 6/23/15 | Canadoug |
|
22
|
M4 | 1223.8 | WA1224 | East Branch of Bear Trap Creek | Several gallons per minute of good water. | 7/7/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
23
|
M4 | 1224.1 | WA1224B | West Branch of Bear Trap Creek. East Branch 3/10 mile south may be better water. | > 1 gallon per minute | 7/7/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
24
|
M4 | 1226 | WACS1226 | Seasonal East Hopkins Seep | Seep was barely seeping. Scooped 2 liters with cup in about 6 min.
|
6/8/15 | Cowboy & Emily | |
|
25
|
M5 | 1229.1 | WA1229 | Small Lake, west of the trail. | Lake was pretty nasty looking from the trail above. I could see a film on it from the PCT. | 7/6/14 | Double Tap | |
|
26
|
M5 | 1232.3 | 1235.5 | WA1232 | *Creek 3/10 mile S of PCT on paved Quincy-LaPorte Road. | Excellent Flow | 6/9/15 | Cowboy & Emily |
|
27
|
M5 | 1234.4 | WA1234 | *Alder Spring (800 feet off trail) trail junction. | 3 liters/min of very cold water. | 7/7/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
28
|
M6 | 1238.9 | 1242.3 | WA1239 | Black Rock Spring, 3/10 mile S of Fowler Peak Trailhead along trail | Construction equipment around this road crossing. I never saw a sign to the spring right off the PCT but it did look like there was once a trail that was now blocked off and overgrown about 0.25 mile past the road crossing. Maybe this trail led to the spring but I didn't go down it. I didn't want to back track to the road to see if the road led me to the spring so I kept on going. | 7/7/14 | Double Tap |
|
29
|
M6 | 1242 | 1245.4 | WA1242 | Small N Fowler Creek, 1/10 mile S of PCT down short trail, | Several liters per minute. Deep pool just downstream for collection. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
30
|
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. | |||||||
|
31
|
M7 | 1247.2 | 1250.9 | WACS1247 | **Middle Fork Feather River, steel bridge | Huge flow, good swimming | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
32
|
On west side of bridge there are cool little currents you can ride with. | |||||||
|
33
|
M7 | 1249.6 | WA1250 | Stream | >1 gallon per minute | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
34
|
M7 | 1250.5 | 1254.3 | CS1251 | *Bear Creek | Huge flow | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
35
|
M7 | 1251.2 | WA1251 | Small creek | Several gallons per minute | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
36
|
M7 | 1255.3 | WA1255 | Seasonal spring | Damp at trail. No discernible flow. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
37
|
M7 | 1257.2 | WA1257 | Lookout Spring | 4 liters/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
38
|
1261 | HaskensStore | Haskens Store, small store next to bed and breakfast - alt. mi 2.7 | |||||
|
39
|
1261 | LkshoreResort | Lake Shore Resort, restaurant, bar, small store, www.buckslakeshoreresort.com. - alt mi. 3.8 | |||||
|
40
|
M8 | 1262.1 | WA1262 | Small spring | 2 liters/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
41
|
M8 | 1262.5 | WA1262B | Seasonal spring | 1 liters/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
42
|
M8 | 1263.1 | WA1263 | A small stream called Big Creek. | 1 gallon/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
43
|
1265.4 | Quincy | ||||||
|
44
|
M9 | 1266.6 | WA1267 | Bucks Creek | >1 gallon/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
45
|
M9 | 1267 | WA1267B | Bucks Creek | >1 gallon/min. | 7/8/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
46
|
M10 | 1273.7 | 1278.5 | WA1274 | Clear Creek Springs | 4L/sec. Filled 2L platy easily in 30 sec. from piece of angle iron down in the alders. Cold
and clear.
----- small trickle, look behind the big log to scoop out of a small depression |
7/4/15 | Noll |
|
47
|
M10 | 1274.2 | WA1274B | Small seasonal creek | 2 liters per minute | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
48
|
M10 | 1275.2 | WACS1275 | Clear Creek | >1 gallon/min. | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
49
|
M10 | 1275.5 | 1280.3 | WA1276 | Shallow lily pond | full of water | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
50
|
M11 | 1277.1 | WA1277 | Grouse Spring trail junction (spring is 1/10 mile off trail). | The sign on the trail says "Bracken Fern Spring 500 feet". I didn't go down to the spring to check flow. | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
51
|
M11 | 1279 | WA1279 | Seasonal spring. Watch for POISON OAK as you descend to Belden. | Dry | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
52
|
M11 | 1279.2 | WA1279B | Canyon View Spring | Dry at trail. Downhill is a 100 foot side trail at a sign. Follow side trail to >1 gallon/min flow. | 7/9/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
53
|
M11 | 1284.3 | 1289.4 | Belden | Belden Town Resort | |||
|
54
|
N11 | 1285.4 | 1290.5 | WA1285 | Indian Creek, large wooden footbridge. | Huge flow | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
55
|
N11 | 1286.5 | WA1286 | Small creek | Flowing > 1 gal per min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
56
|
N1 | 1288 | WA1288 | Small seasonal creek. | Flowing 2 liters/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
57
|
N1 | 1289.3 | 1294.5 | WA1289 | Seasonal Rattlesnake Spring | 1/2 liter/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
58
|
N1 | 1289.6 | WA1290 | Creek | Several gallons/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
59
|
N1 | 1289.9 | WA1290B | Creek | Several gallons/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
60
|
N1 | 1290.2 | 1295.3 | WACS1290 | William's Cabin site, small creek nearby. | 1 gallon/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
61
|
N1 | 1290.6 | WA1291 | Large stream | Huge flow | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
62
|
N1 | 1291.1 | 1296.3 | WACS1291 | Myrtle Flat, small stream nearby. | 1 gallon/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
63
|
N2 | 1292.5 | WA1293 | Large creek | Several gallons/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
64
|
N2 | 1292.9 | WA1293B | Small creek | 1 liter/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
65
|
N2 | 1293.1 | 1298.3 | WA1293C | *Chips Creek ford, large creek. | Huge flow, big creek | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
66
|
N2 | 1293.5 | 1298.7 | WA1293D | Chips Creek, 2nd crossing, large creek. | Moderate flow coming from and disappearing into the rocks. | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
67
|
N2 | 1293.7 | WA1294 | Small creek | Shallow, hard to collect, 1/2 liter per min. | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
68
|
N2 | 1294.3 | WA1294B | Small creek | > 1 gallon/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
69
|
N2 | 1294.7 | WA1295 | Creek | 1 gallon/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
70
|
N2 | 1294.8 | WA1295B | Creek | Several gallons/min | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
71
|
N2 | 1297.1 | 1302.4 | WA1297 | Andesite Spring | Running well | 6/22/15 | Goldilocks |
|
72
|
N2 | 1298.5 | 1303.9 | WA1299 | Frog Spring | 1 liter/min of nice water | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
73
|
N3 | 1302.9 | 1308.4 | WACS1303 | *Cold Springs | Several gallons/min flowing from pipe into trough | 7/10/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
74
|
N4 | 1310.7 | WA1311 | Trail junction to a spring, 1/3 mile off-trail. | Good flow but shallow. Also (like the next spring) a 200-300 ft climb back up to the trail. | 6/2/15 | Bling & Strog | |
|
75
|
N4 | 1313.3 | WA1313 | Spring, near sign on tree, 3/10 mile west of the PCT. | Flowing 1 gallon/min.
----- Follow trail to the left for ~0.3 miles down to an ice cold springs. It's a bit of a climb back up (~300 ft) but worth it and I would fill up here as the next water source at mile 1315.5 (Carter Creek) gave a lot of other hikers problems in 2014 in terms of finding it which meant no water between Little Bear Springs and Hwy 36 which is 19 miles away. |
7/11/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
76
|
N5 | 1315.5 | 1321.1 | WACS1316 | Seasonal Carter Creek, 1/2 mile N of PCT | Dry
----- Many hikers in 2014 could not find any water which is 0.5 mile off the PCT. A few hikers did find water however. |
6/21/15 | Cowboy |
|
77
|
N6 | 1325.5 | 1331.3 | WACS1326 | *Soldier Creek | Flowing 1 gallon/min. | 7/11/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
78
|
N6 | 1327.6 | 1333.4 | WA1328 | Wooden footbridge over seasonal part of Soldier Creek, often dry. | Dry | 7/11/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
79
|
1328.8 | Chester | Town, 7.5 miles E on Hwy 36 | |||||
|
80
|
N7 | 1332.3 | 1335.2 | WACS1332 | *Stover Spring | Dry | 7/11/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
81
|
N8 | 1338.2 | 1344.1 | WACS1338 | **North Fork Feather River, footbridge. | Huge flow | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
82
|
N8 | 1338.9 | WA1339 | Domingo Spring trail junction, spring is 3/10 mile off-trail. | Good flow | 5/27/15 | Meredith | |
|
83
|
N9 | 1343.6 | Small creek across trail | 1/2 liter/min flow. Little hard to collect. | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
|
84
|
N9 | 1343.8 | WA1344 | Boundary Spring, 400 feet off-trail. | > 1 gal/min flow. Easy 400 ft walk to spring. | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
85
|
N9 | 1344 | Little Willow Lake | Full | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider | ||
|
86
|
N9 | 1347.4 | WA1347 | Large creek, wooden bridge. | Good flow | 5/1/15 | Devil | |
|
87
|
N9 | 1347.6 | WarnerValleyTH | Warner Valley trailhead parking, water spigot, outhouse, picnic tables, trash cans. Drakesbad Resort is 4/10 mile west via the road. | toilets open, faucet on | 5/21/15 | Joe | |
|
88
|
N9 | 1347.6 | 1353.3 | Drakesbad | Drakesbad Resort | Not open yet | 4/30/15 | Devil |
|
89
|
N10 | 1350.4 | 1356.6 | WACS1350 | Summit Lake trail junction, trail side creek | Huge flow | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
90
|
N10 | 1351.8 | WA1352 | Small creek | ? 1 gallong per/min | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
91
|
N10 | 1354.5 | WACS1355 | Swan Lake. | Plenty of water | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
92
|
N11 | 1355.1 | 1361.8 | WACS1355B | **Lower Twin Lake | Plenty of water | 7/12/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
93
|
N12 | 1363 | LassenNP2 | Lassen National Park Boundary, trail register, horse corral with water 3/10 mile off-trail. | water near corral .3 off trail: trail a bit hard to follow, but it's a large creek at the end | 5/23/15 | Joe | |
|
94
|
N12 | 1366.1 | WA1366 | Unpaved road, water 1/10 mile west of the trail. | Several gallons/min | 7/13/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
95
|
N13 | 1367.2 | WACS1367 | *Hat Creek | Several gallons/min. | 7/13/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
96
|
N13 | 1371 | 1377.6 | Old Station | Old Station Post Office. | Cold drinks available at the store. Store open until 7PM, deli open to until 6PM. | 6/14/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
97
|
N14 | 1375 | 1381.5 | WA1375 | Subway Cave, water fountain, outhouse, paved parking area nearby. | water on, toilets open | 5/24/15 | Joe |
|
98
|
N15 | 1383 | TR1383 | Trail to Lost Creek Spring
----- We are especially interested in water reports about this location. Please send info |
Good flow, time to fill 1 liter is 5 to 8 seconds. 10 min down, 12-15 back up, leave pack up at top. Steep yet mostly decent and well worn trail. | 7/1/15 | Mr. Marmot | |
|
99
|
Per Pounder on 6/11/15 : The creek below the spring is the water supply for a municipal district. It is a steep trail to travel to the spring, and horses are ill-advised. Even if you could safely get a horse to the bottom, they can't access the water without a bucket. | |||||||
|
100
|
N17 | 1391.1 | 1397.8 | RD1391 | Forest Road 22 | Small cache near some chairs in a shady spot. | 7/14/15 | Cloud Rider |
|
101
|
In the past, a water cache has sometimes been maintained here. | |||||||
|
102
|
N19 | 1404.4 | WA1404 | Small creek. | > 1 gal/min. | 7/14/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
103
|
N19 | 1404.6 | WA1405 | Hiker bridge over a river | Huge flow | 7/14/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
104
|
N19 | 1404.8 | 1411.6 | WA1405B | Crystal Lake Fish Hatchery, 300 feet E of trail, water. | No water in Men's room. Handle broken. Used Womens restroom. | 6/22/15 | Plan B & Whatever |
|
105
|
N19 | 1405.2 | WA1405C | Pass near a lake. | Lake was nearly full, lots of poison oak | 7/14/15 | Cloud Rider | |
|
106
|
1408.8 | Burney | ||||||
|
107
|
N20 | 1413.4 | WA1413 | Rim of the Lake Spring trail junction (1/4 mile off-trail). | ||||
|
108
|
N20 | 1415.7 | WA1416 | Hiker bridge over Burney Creek (usually dry). | ||||
|
109
|
N20 | 1415.9 | WACS1416 | Burney Falls State Park PCT trail camp, outhouse, picnic tables, outhouse, trash cans. | ||||
|
110
|
O20 | 1416.5 | 1423.5 | BurneyFallsSP | Burney Falls State Park, store, campground, water, showers, laundry. | |||
|
111
|
O1 | 1418.4 | 1425.3 | BrittonDam | PCT crosses Lake Britton Dam on a paved road. | |||
|
112
|
O1 | 1422 | 1429 | WACS1422 | *Cross Rock Creek on a wood bridge. | Good flow, cold water. | 6/25/15 | Mike |
|
113
|
O2 | 1425.3 | WA1425 | Upper Jake Spring | flowing well, delightfully cold water
----- At trail to left down to spring. |
6/26/15 | Hot Mess & Whiskers | |
|
114
|
O2 | 1426.1 | WA1426 | Screwdriver Creek, 1/10 mile off trail. | Low flow | 6/25/15 | Mike | |
|
115
|
O2 | 1430.2 | 1437.2 | WA1430 | Seasonal Peavine Creek | flowing pool about 20 feet back from road. Easy access
----- Per DoubleTap on 7/14/15: Minimal flow but enough to get water from small use trail to the right after reaching road 37N30. You have to follow the trail a good ways back (~0.1 mile) and crawl / crouch around some but it's easy to find. |
6/23/15 | Plan B & Whatever |
|
116
|
O3 | 1434.4 | WA1434 | Clark Spring, 1/10 mile off trail. | Flowing 1 gallon per min, cold. | 6/26/15 | Mike | |
|
117
|
O3 | 1436.3 | 1443.5 | WA1436 | Deadman Creek | Nearly stagnant pool next to side road | 6/26/15 | Mike |
|
118
|
O3 | 1438 | WACS1438 | Kosk Spring, 2/10 mile off-trail | Flowing 1 gallon per min, cold. | 6/26/15 | Mike | |
|
119
|
O4 | 1444.8 | WACS1445 | Moosehead Creek | Low flow | 6/26/15 | Mike | |
|
120
|
O4 | 1445.2 | 1452.4 | WA1445 | Headwaters of Moosehead Creek, better water 4/10 mile back. | There was plenty of water, but it was very difficult to access due to thickets and steep banks. | 5/18/15 | BeeKeeper |
|
121
|
O5 | 1452.7 | WA1453 | Creek 1/2 mile N of PCT | ||||
|
122
|
O6 | 1455.6 | WA1456 | Gold Creek trail junction, creek is 2/10 mile off trail. | Low flow, cold. | 6/27/15 | Mike | |
|
123
|
Trail is almost 180 degrees behind the PCT and it goes up and over a jeep road. Continue straight across this jeep road and follow another jeep road for ~0.2 miles (there were cairns in 2014). At big open lot area towards the far end look to left and you will see a trail to the ice cold spring water below. | |||||||
|
124
|
O6 | 1459.1 | WACS1459 | Deer Creek Spring | Moderate flow, cold | 6/24/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
125
|
O6 | 1460.1 | 1467.4 | WA1460 | Deer Creek | Good flow, cold. | 6/27/15 | Mike |
|
126
|
O6 | 1461.2 | WA1461 | Another branch of Deer Creek. | Better flow, cold. | 6/27/15 | Mike | |
|
127
|
O6 | 1464.2 | WA1464 | Small creek | Good flow | 6/24/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
128
|
O6 | 1464.6 | 1472 | WA1465 | Butcherknife Creek | Very good flow. | 6/27/15 | Mike |
|
129
|
O6 | 1464.8 | WA1465B | Small spring | Good flow | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
130
|
O6 | 1464.9 | WA1465C | Small creek | Good flow | 6/23/15 | Bling & Strog | |
|
131
|
O6 | 1465.3 | WA1465D | Creek | Good flow | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
132
|
O7 | 1468.4 | 1476 | WACS1468 | Ash Camp Campground, outhouse, water from nearby creek, unpaved road. | Strong flow. | 6/23/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
133
|
O7 | 1468.5 | 1476 | WA1469 | **McCloud River, large wooden bridge. Watch for Poison Oak near the McCloud River. | Strong flow. | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever |
|
134
|
O7 | 1470.2 | WA1470 | Small spring | Moderate flow | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
135
|
O7 | 1470.6 | 1478.2 | WACS1471 | Fitzhugh Gulch Creek | Good flow | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever |
|
136
|
O8 | 1478.9 | 1486.5 | WA1479 | Trough Creek | Good flow, cold.
----- LOTS of poison oak around here. |
6/28/15 | Mike |
|
137
|
O8 | 1479.4 | WA1479B | West Trough Creek | Good flow | 6/25/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
138
|
O8 | 1482.2 | 1489.8 | WA1482 | *Squaw Valley Creek, Squaw Valley trailhead trail junction nearby. | Great flow. (a few trails down to water after the bridge to the left about 50 yards... Or, easier access for some by going right after the bridge and down about 100 yds to side trail). | 6/28/15 | Mike |
|
139
|
O9 | 1491.5 | WA1492 | Spring | Good flow | 6/29/15 | Whiskers & Hot Mess | |
|
140
|
O9 | 1492.4 | WA1492B | North Fork of Fall Creek | Good flow | 6/29/15 | Whiskers & Hot Mess | |
|
141
|
O9 | 1497.8 | WA1498 | Small spring | Good flow | 6/26/15 | Plan B & Whatever | |
|
142
|
O9 | 1498.3 | WA1498B | Cross a bridge over a river. | ||||
|
143
|
O9 | 1498.4 | WA1498C | Cross another bridge over a river. | ||||
|
144
|
1498.7 | 1506.5 | Castella | |||||
|
145
|
1498.7 | 1506.5 | Dunsmuir | |||||
|
146
|
P1 | 1500.3 | WA1500 | Fern Springs | ||||
|
147
|
P1 | 1502 | WACS1502 | Creek | Creek has fire retardant in and around it, sign posted not to drink the water. | 6/30/15 | Eskimo | |
|
148
|
P1 | 1502.2 | 1510 | WA1502 | Winton Canyon Creek, wooden bridge. | Good flow | 6/28/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
149
|
P1 | 1502.4 | 1510.3 | WA1502B | Indian Creek | Good flow | 6/28/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
150
|
P1 | 1504.7 | WA1505 | East Fork of Sulphur Creek | Good flow | 6/28/15 | Bling & Strog | |
|
151
|
P1 | 1505.1 | WA1505B | West Fork of Sulphur Creek. The east fork is often better. | Good flow | 6/29/15 | Bling & Strog | |
|
152
|
P1 | 1507.6 | 1515.3 | WA1508 | Seasonal Burstarse Creek | Very light flow
----- Per DoubleTap : In addition to being one of the funniest named creeks on the trail there is also a sign here for permanent water 0.2 miles away but I didn't check it out. |
6/29/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
153
|
P2 | 1508.8 | WA1509 | Small spring | Good flow, 1 liter in 5 sec | 7/10/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
154
|
P2 | 1512.8 | WA1513 | North Fork Spring | OK flow 75 feet upstream from trail, time to fill 1 liter is 40 seconds | 7/10/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
155
|
P2 | 1513.7 | WA1514 | Gully Spring | Dry | 6/19/15 | Michael | |
|
156
|
P3 | 1519.4 | WA1519 | Spring 1/3 mile off-trail. | Good flow | 5/18/15 | BeeKeeper | |
|
157
|
P3 | 1524.1 | WA1524 | Picayune Spring trail junction. Spring is 800 feet off-trail. | Good flow | 5/18/15 | BeeKeeper | |
|
158
|
P4 | 1526.5 | WA1527 | White Ridge Spring | Good flow, right on trail, time to fill 1 liter is 5 seconds | 7/10/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
159
|
P4 | 1528.8 | 1536.9 | WACS1529 | Porcupine Lake trail junction. Lake is 2/10 mile W of PCT. | Full (and great for swimming) | 6/30/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
160
|
P5 | 1532.6 | WA1533 | Red Rock Spring | Dry | 6/19/15 | Michael | |
|
161
|
P5 | 1534.2 | 1542.4 | WACS1534 | **Deadfall Lake | lake is full and flow at dead fall Creek on trail between the two lakes | 6/30/15 | Bling & Strog |
|
162
|
Great camping and water but avoid Deadfall Lake if it's a weekend as this is a popular spot for locals to camp at and it can get quite crowded. | |||||||
|
163
|
P5 | 1534.9 | WA1535 | Seasonal Spring | Good flow, time to fill 1 liter 10 sec at northernmost spring. Spring about 100 feet south is weaker flow. | 7/10/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
164
|
P5 | 1535.7 | Small flow | 5/22/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
|
165
|
1539.44 | Seasonal Creek | Dry | 6/18/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |||
|
166
|
1539.76 | Seasonal Creek | Dry | 6/18/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |||
|
167
|
1539.99 | Seasonal Creek | Dry | 6/18/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |||
|
168
|
1540.05 | Seasonal Creek | Dry | 6/18/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |||
|
169
|
1540.56 | Middle Fork High Camp Creek | Good flow | 7/1/15 | Bling & Strog | |||
|
170
|
1546.00 | Seasonal Creek | Good flow | 5/26/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
|
171
|
P6 | 1543.4 | WACS1543 | Chilcoot Creek - Seasonal creek | Shallow barely flowing (at creek crossing beyond sign) | 7/5/15 | River | |
|
172
|
P6 | 1547.2 | WA1547 | Seasonal spring | OK flow, time to fill 1 liter is 40 sec | 7/12/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
173
|
P7 | 1551.6 | WA1552 | Seasonal spring | First (southernmost) spring is trickle, second 50 yards on is light flow, time to fill 1 liter is 60 seconds | 7/12/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
174
|
P7 | 1553.4 | WACS1553 | Small seasonal spring | very light flow, time to fill 1 liter 90 secs | 7/12/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
175
|
P7 | 1555.2 | WA1555 | Small seasonal spring | very light flow (2nd spring, 20 yards after 1st, was better) | 7/2/15 | Bling & Strog | |
|
176
|
P8 | 1562.2 | WA1562 | Spring just below the PCT | Good flow, time to fill 1 liter is 10 seconds [kinda odd that pervious report on 6/26 listed this as dry] | 7/12/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
177
|
P9 | 1562.5 | WA1563 | Spring | Good flow, time to fill one liter is 15 sec, though cattle spotted 50 feet above spring | 7/13/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
178
|
P9 | 1563.4 | WA1563B | Small creek | Small flow | 6/26/15 | Susan | |
|
179
|
P9 | 1563.6 | 1572.2 | WA1564 | Creek below Mosquito Lake. | Large creek, excellend flow. | 6/26/15 | Susan |
|
180
|
P9 | 1568.7 | WA1569 | Small seasonal creek | Good flow, time to fill 8 sec | 7/13/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
181
|
P9 | 1568.8 | WA1569B | Piped spring | Good flow, time to fill 12 sec | 7/13/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
182
|
P10 | 1570.6 | WA1571 | Small seasonal creek. | Good flow | 5/28/15 | BeeKeeper | |
|
183
|
P10 | 1573 | WA1573 | Small Creek | Small flow | 6/19/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |
|
184
|
P10 | 1575.6 | WA1576 | Small stream | Good flow | 6/27/15 | Susan | |
|
185
|
P10 | 1576.6 | 1585.4 | WA1577 | **Scott River | Good flow, like a large creek. | 7/13/15 | Mr Marmot |
|
186
|
1577.1 | Creek | Small flow, usable | 6/27/15 | Susan | |||
|
187
|
P11 | 1582.8 | 1591.7 | WA1583 | Spring, 100 yards E of the PCT on a jeep road. | Just a trickle. Spring is right below trail. | 6/27/15 | Susan |
|
188
|
1584.54 | Seasonal Creek | Good flow | 5/29/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
|
189
|
1585.06 | Seasonal Creek | Good flow | 5/29/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
|
190
|
P12 | 1585.3 | WA1585 | Spring | Good flow | 5/29/15 | BeeKeeper | |
|
191
|
P12 | 1586.4 | WA1586 | Small stream | Good flow | 5/29/15 | BeeKeeper | |
|
192
|
P12 | 1586.8 | WA1587 | Small creek | Strong flow | 7/13/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
193
|
P12 | 1588.3 | 1597.3 | WACS1588 | Seasonal creek below Statue Lake | Tiny muddy flow, but possible to pump with care. | 6/27/15 | Susan |
|
194
|
P13 | 1591.5 | 1600.6 | WACS1591 | **Paynes Lake, 100 yards W of PCT. | Flowing well | 6/20/15 | Wolverine & Feather |
|
195
|
P13 | 1592.2 | WA1592 | Creek | Good flow | 7/14/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
196
|
P13 | 1592.2 | WA1592B | Stream | Good flow | 7/14/15 | Mr Marmot | |
|
197
|
1597.3 | 1606.5 | Etna | |||||
|
198
|
Q1 | 1604.7 | 1613.9 | WA1605 | Cub Bear Spring, small spring 2/10 mile E of PCT. | Good flow | 5/30/15 | BeeKeeper |
|
199
|
Q2 | 1607.8 | 1616.9 | WA1608 | Shelly Lake Outlet | Flowing well | 6/24/15 | Wolverine & Feather |
|
200
|
Q2 | 1611 | WA1611 | Small creek | Flowing well | 6/24/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |
|
201
|
Q2 | 1611.3 | WACS1611 | Small lake | ||||
|
202
|
Q2 | 1611.5 | 1620.6 | WA1612 | Marten Lake | |||
|
203
|
Q3 | 1612.7 | WA1613 | Seasonal stream | Flowing well | 6/24/15 | Wolverine & Feather | |
|
204
|
Q3 | 1617.9 | 1626.8 | WA1618 | Cold Spring, 3/10 mile S of PCT, 270 ft elevation drop. | Area, including campsites around Cold Spring burned summer 2014. Water flowing but muddy with lots of nearby cow tracks. | 4/23/15 | Catherine |
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205
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Q4 | 1621.2 | 1630.1 | WACS1621 | Creek near Marble Valley Cabin [locked] | Strong Flow in Creek.
----- DOUBLETAP : Small stream before cabin barely flowing but if you cross the stream and turn left you will find a better spot to get water ~50 ft up the stream under the brush. |
5/30/15 | Optimist & Janel |
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206
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Q4 | 1622.5 | WA1622 | Creek | Dry. | 6/1/15 | BeeKeeper | |
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207
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Q5 | 1626.5 | 1635.4 | WACS1626 | **Paradise Lake | Ice cold spring at the lake via a trail to the left of the lake. Spring is ~200 ft down this trail. | 6/1/15 | BeeKeeper |
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208
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Q5 | 1627 | WA1627 | Seasonal stream | ||||
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209
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Q6 | 1632 | 1640.8 | WACS1632 | Buckhorn Spring, small signed spring 150 feet W of the PCT in a meadow NW of the large three-forked tree | Good flow. | 6/1/15 | BeeKeeper |
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210
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Q6 | 1638.2 | WA1638 | Seasonal creek | ||||
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211
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Q6 | 1639 | 1647.7 | WA1639 | Cold Spring Creek, a large creek. | Good flow. | 6/1/15 | BeeKeeper |
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212
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Q6 | 1639.1 | WACS1639 | Creek | ||||
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213
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Q7 | 1640 | 1648.8 | WA1640 | **Grider Creek, 1st crossing, wooden footbridge (bridge was completely burnt in Nov 2014). | Good flow. There is now a detour in place for first crossing. I didn't grab the mileage marker but just before 1640. There are two crossings within a few minutes of each other requiring a ford of less than shin to knee high. The detour rejoins the PCT at 1640.03. | 6/2/15 | BeeKepper |
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214
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Q7 | 1,641.2 | 1649.8 | WA1641 | **Grider Creek, 2nd crossing, wooden footbridge (bridge was burnt & broken in half but passable on foot, Nov. 2014). | Good flow. The bridge is no longer usable at second crossing. It broke apart and one half is on the south shore. The other is MIA. There is a log just upstream. I crossed using it. Gaining access to the river to ford is challenging but doable. | 6/2/15 | BeeKepper |
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215
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Per BeeKeeper on 6/2/15 : There are 3 places that are very badly eroded in steep slide areas and not horse safe : mile points 1642.68, 1643.39 and 1643.76. | |||||||
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216
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Q7 | 1642.9 | 1651.6 | WA1643 | **Grider Creek, 3rd crossing, wooden footbridge. | Good flow. | 6/2/15 | BeeKepper |
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217
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Q7 | 1643.3 | 1651.9 | WA1643B | Bark Shanty Creek | Good flow. | 5/31/15 | Optimist & Janel |
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218
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Q8 | 1645.3 | WA1645 | Creek | ||||
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219
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Q8 | 1646.9 | 1655.5 | WACS1647 | **Grider Creek, 4th crossing near campground, steel footbridge, good swimming just N of bridge. Walk through the campground to start of 6.4 mile roadwalk to Seiad Valley. | Good flow. Bridge is still fully functional. The campground was CLOSED for fire cleanup.
----- There is a toilet in the campground. |
6/2/15 | BeeKepper |
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220
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Q8 | 1652.5 | WA1653 | Highway crosses the Klamath River on a large highway bridge. | ||||
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221
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R8 | 1653.4 | 1662 | SeiadValley | Very small community of Seiad Valley, small store, Post Office, cafe, RV park. | $12 / night at the RV park gets you a spot to camp on the grass and a shower. RV Park laundry is coin operated. According to the store owner, no PCT hiker has won the "Pancake Challenge" since 2008 when the cook changed and the pancakes got even bigger. | 7/28/14 | Double Tap |
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222
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R1 | 1655.1 | 1663.7 | WA1655 | Fern Spring | Flowing strong | 6/17/15 | Purple & Carnivore |
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223
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R1 | 1659.4 | 1668.2 | WA1659 | *Lookout Spring, flowing from iron pipe. | Ok but not great flow | 6/3/15 | BeeKeeper |
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224
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R2 | 1663.5 | 1672.4 | WA1664 | Kangaroo Spring | Low flow but water is ok | 6/17/15 | Purple & Carnivore |
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225
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R2 | 1665.2 | WA1665 | Seasonal creek | very small creek, won't flow much longer | 6/4/15 | BeeKeeper | |
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226
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R2 | 1668.2 | 1677.3 | WA1668 | *Piped Cook and Green Pass spring | Flowing well, 4 liters per minute | 6/17/15 | Purple & Carnivore |
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227
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R3 | 1673.7 | 1682.9 | WA1674 | Bear Dog Spring | Flowing but with shallow pools | 6/18/15 | Purple & Carnivore |
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228
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R4 | 1675.4 | WA1675 | Spring, 1/10 mile SW of PCT | ||||
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229
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R4 | 1677.7 | 1687 | WA1678 | Reeves Ranch Springs, 9/10 mile S of PCT. | |||
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230
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R5 | 1680.7 | WA1681 | *Alex Hole Spring nearby. | Look for trail to the left of the PCT right after you pass the unpaved road on the right. About 0.1 mile and 100 ft down (after a sharp turn to the left) you will run into multiple small streams from the spring which is ice cold. | 7/29/14 | Double Tap | |
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231
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R5 | 1682.8 | 1692.4 | WA1683 | Mud Springs, 2/10 mile north of PCT mile 1692.4. | |||
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232
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R5 | 1684.7 | WA1685 | Spring (look for short trail on right) | Flowing great | 6/18/15 | Purple & Carnivore | |
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233
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R5 | 1685.1 | WA1685B | Small spring | good flow | 6/5/15 | BeeKeeper | |
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234
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R5 | 1685.2 | WA1685C | Another small spring | good flow | 6/5/15 | BeeKeeper | |
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235
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R6 | 1688 | 1697.8 | WA1688 | Donomore Creek, small wooden bridge. | Watch for poison oak | 6/5/15 | BeeKeeper |
|
236
|
1688.7 | Creek | flowing | 6/5/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
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237
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1690.46 | Creek | flowing | 6/5/15 | BeeKeeper | |||
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238
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R6 | 1690.6 | WA1691 | Small spring | Good flow. | 7/30/14 | Double Tap | |
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239
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R6 | 1693.6 | 1703.5 | WACS1694 | *Sheep Camp Spring | strong steady flow | 7/3/15 | Hannah |
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240
|
R7 | 1694.7 | WA1695 | Small stream | Good flow | 7/3/15 | Hannah | |
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241
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R7 | 1701.4 | WA1701 | Small seasonal stream | Trickling | 7/3/15 | Hannah | |
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242
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1705.23 | Seasonal creek | Barely trickling | 7/3/15 | Hannah | |||
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243
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R8 | 1706.2 | WA1706 | Small seasonal creek | Trickling | 7/3/15 | Hannah | |
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244
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R8 | 1706.5 | WA1707 | Seasonal creek | Steady flow | 7/3/15 | Hannah | |
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245
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R8 | 1706.60 | Small seasonal creek | Good flow | 6/20/15 | Purple & Carnivore | ||
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246
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R8 | 1707.89 | Shallow seasonal creek | Flowing | 6/6/15 | BeeKeeper | ||
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247
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R8 | 1708.39 | Seasonal creek | Ok but not great | 6/20/15 | Purple & Carnivore | ||
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248
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1710.8 | Picnic Table w/ faucet | Faucet on | 7/15/15 | Voice Mail | |||
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249
|
The picnic table and faucet are on private land, camping not allowed in this area. | |||||||
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250
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R9 | ~1714.52 | Three small seasonal creeks | Trickling | 5/25/15 | Amy Bee | ||
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251
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1716.2 | 1726.8 | Ashland | |||||
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252
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*Old mileage is from 2014 Halfmile Maps. This mileage will be similar to the Wilderness Press Data Book or Guthook mileage. | |||||||
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253
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These reports are provided as a free service to PCT hikers. I believe the information is accurate but the reports may contain errors. The reports are distributed in the hope that they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. |
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1
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Pacific Crest Trail Water Report -- Oregon: Ashland to Cascade Locks | Updated: 10:26am 7/16/15 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2
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Ashland, OR to Cascade Locks, OR
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www.pctwater.com | |||||
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3
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Never rely on water caches!!! With the increase in the number of hikers, it's virtually impossible for anyone to maintain a cache that always has enough water. | ||||||
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4
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Send email updates to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or phone/text<PHONE_NUMBER> or 619-734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. Water reports are compiled from email updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports. Mileages and waypoint names used in this water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps [www.pctmap.net]. | ||||||
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5
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Beware of contaminated water.  You don’t know if a dead carcass was just removed from that tank/spring/creek or what’s hidden upstream. Purify backcountry water. Close lids on springs and tanks to protect water quality. | ||||||
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6
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Take fire safety seriously. It’s an unprecedented drought and our public lands are ready to burn. Generally, there will be strong fire restrictions in place this summer. Campfires will be banned. Alcohol stoves and smoking may also be. Make do without and use extreme caution if allowed. Rules change as you cross agency boundaries. Don’t be the one that destroys the trail. Alcohol stoves start fires – go stoveless or carry a stove with a contained fuel source and a shut-off valve. | ||||||
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7
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Water sources with blue text [marked with * or **] have historically been more reliable. Sources marked with ** are more likely to have water year-round than those marked with a single *. Water described as seasonal, usually dry, early spring, etc. are less reliable. | ||||||
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8
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Map | Mile | Waypoint | Location | Report | Date | Reported By |
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9
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1716.2 | Ashland | |||||
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10
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B2 | 1725.6 | WA1726 | Piped spring | Slow flow out of the pipe | 7/6/2015 | Hannah |
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11
|
B2 | 1727.6 | WA1728 | Piped spring near a small pond, 100 yards NW of PCT. | Pond has water visible from the trail, but we didn't go to it. | 6/23/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
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12
|
B3 | 1734.6 | WA1735 | Small pond | Grassy around edge. Fairly clear. Usable | 6/23/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
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13
|
B3 | 1738.7 | WA1739 | Hyatt Lake outlet, bridge, large creek. | Strong flow | 6/22/2015 | Boa |
|
14
|
B4 | 1740.3 | WA1740 | Water fountain and spigot. | Water fountain is on | 6/24/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
|
15
|
B5 | 1747.9 | WA1748 | Klum Landing Park Campground, 3/10 mi W of PCT. | spigots are on and restrooms are open | 6/15/2015 | Amy Bee |
|
16
|
B5 | 1748.6 | WA1749 | Canal and bridge, unpaved road nearby. | Canal is full to the brim | 6/16/2015 | Amy Bee |
|
17
|
B5 | 1748.7 | WA1749B | Grizzly Creek with wooden bridge. | Good flow with a bit of vegetation to get through; creaklet right before has better flow. | 6/16/2015 | Amy Bee |
|
18
|
B6 | 1752.7 | WA1753 | Piped spring | flowing well | 6/24/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
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19
|
There are 2 junctions, sign to the spring at 2nd junction. If you accidentally take the 1st junction then turn left at the jeep road, walk ~0.15 miles to the trail on right | ||||||
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20
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B7 | 1760.8 | WA1761 | *South Brown Mountain Shelter, cabin, picnic table, water pump. | Pump is fixed; water running clear & cold. | 6/24/2015 | All Day Long |
|
21
|
1770.9 | Fish Lake Resort | |||||
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22
|
C8 | 1771.0 | WA1771 | Large creek, wooden bridge. | Flowing great | 6/25/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
|
23
|
C8 | 1771.3 | TR1771B | Summit trail #3732 junction, stream nearby. | |||
|
24
|
C2 | 1782.4 | WA1782 | *Christi's Spring. | Good flow. Mosquito hell. | 6/25/2015 | Purple & Carnivore |
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25
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C5 | 1796.8 | WACS1797 | Seasonal Creek | Flowing well | 6/30/2015 | Wolverine & Feather |
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26
|
C5 | 1797.2 | WA1797 | Small creek | Flowing OK | 6/30/2015 | Wolverine & Feather |
|
27
|
C5 | 1798.2 | WA1798 | Small creek | Flowing well | 6/30/2015 | Wolverine & Feather |
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28
|
C5 | 1798.5 | WA1798B | Creek. | Flowing well | 6/30/2015 | Wolverine & Feather |
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29
|