Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden
Near Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden

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Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden

No rating
89.8
mi
Distance
19,060
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Lake

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
89.83mi
Distance
19,060ft
Elevation Gain
21,394ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
7,503ft
High Point
2,211ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M is an 89-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This section extends from Highway 49 near Sierra City to Highway 70 / Belden, California. The moderately rated section includes glaciated lake basins, the Middle and North Fork canyons of the Feather River, Douglas-fir trees, various pines, and interesting volcanic rocks. PCT Section M is accessible for day trips as well as long-distance/section hikes and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. The trail winds its way north from Highway 49 through forested terrain intersecting various roads, crossing the Middle Fork Feather River, and entering Bucks Lake Wilderness. This section ends in the north and at Belden Town Resort and Lodge. MILES AND WAYPOINTS00.00 - Highway 4924.00 - Cowell Road / 23N0831.00 - Johnsonville McRae Road39.00 - Quincy / LaPorte Road54.00 - Wild and Scenic MIddle Fork Feather River67.00 - Big Creek Road, access to Quincy and Bucks Lake71.00 - Buck Lake Road , access to Quincy and Bucks Lake89.00 - Highway 70 / Belden Town Resort and LodgePERMITSFor information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.HALFMILE MAPSLon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBelden Town Resort and Lodge: https://www.facebook.com/beldentownresortandlodge/.Wild and Scenic Feather River (Middle Fork) - https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/feather.php.

Route Conditions

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Report Conditions

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Contributors
Lani Advokat