Camp under ponderosa pine above McCloud river - Castle Crags State Park campground in Castella
Mile 1474 - 1498 on PCT + 2 miles side trail to Castella
Total 26 miles
Waking up on a warm summer morning under thick canopy of a tall ponderosa pine, I continue walking through shady forest as the first rays of the sun start shining between the branches.
The trail winds uphill and then again downhill into the valley of Squaw Creek. The stream has cold water and deep pools - an ideal spot for a morning swim.
Refreshed by the morning bath, I find it easy to climb on the next hill. On top of the hill there is an opening in the trees with a close view of Mount Shasta.
Clouds cover the top of Shasta and sometimes the sun also hides behind a cloud, making my hiking easy and comfortable. There are more views of Shasta and the forests surrounding it.
Then a noise of chainsaws and trucks is heard as the trail passes a logging operation site. Unlike in the Sierra, here almost all the trees are being cut down, only few remaining in between. The good thing for hikers is that a narrow strip of the PCT is left untouched.
After the forest harvesting site, the trail starts a long and gradual descent into the valley of the Sacramento river. Streams and springs provide refreshing water. The plant with red colored berries is False Solomon's seal and it is not poisonous but tastes very bitter.
On the way I spot a beautiful lizard and pass through another area of clear-cut forest.
Then there is a stretch of young trees and more views of Shasta.
As the trail continues its way down, I hear a loud rattling noise. Right next to the path is a huge rattlesnake, feeling threatened and sticking out his tongue. I took a quick photo and immediately backed off. On the PCT I have seen three rattlesnakes. This one is definitely the biggest one.
With lots of energy left and sun still up, I decide to go all the way down into Castella. And at the bottom of the valley a surprise awaits: a box with peanuts and fresh fruits, brought here for hungry hikers by the local trail angel Kellyfish.
I take a banana and orange and a handful of peanuts, sign the log book and with the extra energy, walk the remaining two miles all g the Sacramento river and under a railroad and an interstate highway to the Castle Crags state park campground in Castella. The campground is very hiker friendly, there is a special campsite for hikers and bikers for $3 per person, and lots of hikers having a late supper at one of the picnic tables. Two of them have just walked here all the way from Canada! I join their company and we keep talking late into the night. It's almost midnight when I finally go to sleep, just cowboy camping under the stars next to the other hikers tents and in shade of tall pine trees. Tomorrow is time for a rest day and maybe there are some packages waiting at the post office that my generous friends have sent me!
Mile 1474 - 1498 on PCT + 2 miles side trail to Castella
Total 26 miles
Waking up on a warm summer morning under thick canopy of a tall ponderosa pine, I continue walking through shady forest as the first rays of the sun start shining between the branches.
The trail winds uphill and then again downhill into the valley of Squaw Creek. The stream has cold water and deep pools - an ideal spot for a morning swim.
Refreshed by the morning bath, I find it easy to climb on the next hill. On top of the hill there is an opening in the trees with a close view of Mount Shasta.
Clouds cover the top of Shasta and sometimes the sun also hides behind a cloud, making my hiking easy and comfortable. There are more views of Shasta and the forests surrounding it.
Then a noise of chainsaws and trucks is heard as the trail passes a logging operation site. Unlike in the Sierra, here almost all the trees are being cut down, only few remaining in between. The good thing for hikers is that a narrow strip of the PCT is left untouched.
After the forest harvesting site, the trail starts a long and gradual descent into the valley of the Sacramento river. Streams and springs provide refreshing water. The plant with red colored berries is False Solomon's seal and it is not poisonous but tastes very bitter.
On the way I spot a beautiful lizard and pass through another area of clear-cut forest.
Then there is a stretch of young trees and more views of Shasta.
As the trail continues its way down, I hear a loud rattling noise. Right next to the path is a huge rattlesnake, feeling threatened and sticking out his tongue. I took a quick photo and immediately backed off. On the PCT I have seen three rattlesnakes. This one is definitely the biggest one.
With lots of energy left and sun still up, I decide to go all the way down into Castella. And at the bottom of the valley a surprise awaits: a box with peanuts and fresh fruits, brought here for hungry hikers by the local trail angel Kellyfish.
I take a banana and orange and a handful of peanuts, sign the log book and with the extra energy, walk the remaining two miles all g the Sacramento river and under a railroad and an interstate highway to the Castle Crags state park campground in Castella. The campground is very hiker friendly, there is a special campsite for hikers and bikers for $3 per person, and lots of hikers having a late supper at one of the picnic tables. Two of them have just walked here all the way from Canada! I join their company and we keep talking late into the night. It's almost midnight when I finally go to sleep, just cowboy camping under the stars next to the other hikers tents and in shade of tall pine trees. Tomorrow is time for a rest day and maybe there are some packages waiting at the post office that my generous friends have sent me!
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