Snow Creek to Pt 4460

[Hikin_Jim]

I finally got over to the Snow Creek trail head of the PCT after hearing so much about it from others. The PCT lolly gags around and goes nowhere fast, but it's an interesting area, worth a visit.

I've written up a Trip Report for Snow Creek to Pt 4460.

In the report, I'm very specific about:
How to find the trailhead.
Where to turn off the DWA road so you don't get into trouble.
Where the water is
Just what is public land and what is private land

And of course I have a few nice photos.


Have a look if you like,

HJ

[guest]

Great TR report Jim. Your photos are always helpful, (not just scenic). Welcome to our "hood"! The area you came down, may be part of the Univ of SoCal private research area, (not sure where there boundaries are), in Los Osos Canyon,(yes, there used to be be bear there!).
That also may explain the Wild wooden post you photoed.
So, which stove worked best in the "gentle breezes" we get out this way? I've used a MSR Reactor, (don't own), and it kicked butt, but it wasn't too windy.
And, remember, if your out of food, the jojoba gets ripe in the summer around here, but water will be your main concern then!

Scott

[zippetydude]

Nice TR HJ. Oddly, in all the times I've done that trail I've never noticed the 200 mile marker. How many miles from the start was that? I want to look for it on my next trip up.

z

[Hikin_Jim]

Great TR report Jim. Your photos are always helpful, (not just scenic).

Thanks, Scott. I'm always trying to give people step by step directions. The photos are typically to identify or confirm key route points. Hopefully they're good.

So, which stove worked best in the "gentle breezes" we get out this way? I've used a MSR Reactor, (don't own), and it kicked butt, but it wasn't too windy.

I ran a Jetboil vs. a Windboiler. I expected the Windboiler to do better in wind than a Jetboil (the Jetboil has an open burner and is susceptible to wind), but I was surprised at HOW MUCH better. I couldn't even get my water to boil with a Jetboil whereas the Windboiler didn't seem to mind the wind in the least bit.

Jetboil in wind video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHW129Sc42U

Windboiler in wind video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uREZRj9J4cI

The Windboiler won hands down.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Nice TR HJ. Oddly, in all the times I've done that trail I've never noticed the 200 mile marker. How many miles from the start was that? I want to look for it on my next trip up.

Zip,

It's about 5.75 miles up the trail from the DWA water faucet. Coming up from Snow Creek, it won't say 200. It will say 2450 which is the mileage from the Canadian border. It's 200 if you're No Bo or 2450 if you're So Bo.


HJ

[guest]

Good info Jim, thanks. Unless people really field test gear, all the hype in the world don't matter. I've had gear / clothing from good co's that failed, and others that worked well. Reviews are a big step for us gear-heads to at least consider a product.

[cynthia23]

Very well-written and informative report, HJ. The pictures were extremely helpful. Actually, I've never read a clearer explanation of how to find the trailhead. Well done.

[Hikin_Jim]

Good info Jim, thanks. Unless people really field test gear, all the hype in the world don't matter. I've had gear / clothing from good co's that failed, and others that worked well. Reviews are a big step for us gear-heads to at least consider a product.

Thanks, Scott.

I've now put a wind testing write up here on the forum in the Gear section. Same two videos, but there's a bit more explanation and analysis.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Very well-written and informative report, HJ. The pictures were extremely helpful. Actually, I've never read a clearer explanation of how to find the trailhead. Well done.

Ah. Well, thank you for saying that. That's just what I'm after.

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy HJ

Loved your TR as always.

This paragraph really hit home:

"Now, what's the shortest distance between two points? A straight line of course. And what's the longest distance between two points? The PCT – or at least that's what most hikers will swear to who have hiked the PCT. Many sections of the PCT go for miles without really going anywhere. The PCT meanders out and around every little terrain feature which makes no sense at all until you understand that the builders were apparently paid by the mile. By the look of it, they went out of their way to make the trail as long as possible without overly arousing suspicions. In any event, it is just sometimes maddening how long the PCT takes to get anywhere."

Amen!

In my TR, I neglected to mention that after an hour of hiking, Sally and I walked by someone sleeping just off the trail. I'm still wondering why as there was no water near the area.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

Miles of smiles,
Ellen