PCT section hike

[Mojavewanderer]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, but this looks like a good site with lots of good info.

I'm planning a hike on the PCT from highway 74 to I-10, taking the trail to the peak along the way, starting on 7-23. Always wanted to do this (not to mention the whole PCT) but never had the time. Anyways, what is the water situation like? Looks like Live Oak, Cedar and Apace springs are flowing, but what about Tahquitz creek, and the North Fork? Any water in between? Thanks for any help or suggestions!

[Ulysses]

Should be water at Tahquitz Creek, Strawberry Cienega (slow), and North Fork San Jacinto.

[Hikin_Jim]

Ulysses is a local, so his information is probably as good as you're going to get, but I thought I'd add a few things.

I've marked a series of points on this map
A - Probably dry
B - Might be water, but if dry, head north on the trail to Taquitz meadow
C - This creek bed is usually dry, but ...
D - This spring about 20 or 30 feet to the right (east) of the trail is very reliable. It's recessed into the ground and is hard to spot, but look for signs of people going to the spring. It's just on the fringes of the meadow.
E - Probably dry
F - Low flow, but there should be water
G - Probably dry
H - Probably has water

Not on the PCT, but since you're going to the peak:
I - Frequently there is water here
J - There's a little pool just above where the trail crosses the creekbed. This is the best place to get water in Little Round Valley
K - Little Round Valley -- Frequently there's water in the meadow although I think the above mentioned pool is a better place to gather water.

Hope that helps,

HJ

[Mojavewanderer]

Thanks for the info, especially the map! I haven't been up on the mountian this year, but last year I was at both Tahquitz Creek and the North Fork, so it will be interesting to see how the flow is this dry year.

[HH8]

map water

you rock

[asabat]

Too late for the OP, but I post water reports for the PCT at
http://pct.4jeffrey.net

BUT, most PCT hikers are past the Sierra already, so I don't get many reports this time of year.

I do have a couple updates to post, hopefully tonight:

Live Oak Springs had water on July 15
Fobes Saddle (down side trail) had water July 17
Tahquitz Creek had water July 19

[Hikin_Jim]

map water

you rock

That spring at "D" is really worth knowing about. When there's no water anywhere within a mile or two radius of Saddle Junction, that spring at "D" will typically be flowing. It's good water, and it's in a little depression, so the water pools up, making it perfect for those who use a filter.

HJ

[HH8]

That spring at "D" is really worth knowing about.

especially so close to both junctions

[Ulysses]

That spring is in a very delicate area. Please tread gently.