Near PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)
Looking out towards Castle Peak across a ton of snow in May.
Near PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)
Castle Peak
Near PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)
On her way to the summit of Castle Peak!
Near PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)
Castle Peak through the trees on Castle Valley Road.
Near PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)
Castle Peak from Round Valley.

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Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

4.0 (2 Ratings)
California Section L of the Pacific Crest Trail
37.4
mi
Distance
5,788
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
LakeViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
37.42mi
Distance
5,788ft
Elevation Gain
8,400ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
8,389ft
High Point
4,569ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Heading north from Highway I-80, the trail traverses across a gentle terrain within Tahoe National Forest. It passes the east side of Jackson Meadows Reservoir and crosses Henness Pass Road. This section ends at Highway 49 in the north with access to Sierra City, a common resupply stop for thru-hikers.This trail begins by passing around Castle peak and Mount Lola, both high points in the northern Sierra - these sections are laden with wildflower meadows and offer easy going with minimal elevation change aside from switchbacks when necessary. Once beyond Lola the trail begins to descend into granite canyons gradually shifting towards volcanic and pine forest dominated trail tread. This descent continues amongst tall pines, losing elevation and finally crossing a river on the way to Sierra City, where restaurants, a general store, and a cold water spring wait in welcome.MILES AND WAYPOINTS (South to North)00.00 - HIghway 8015.00 - Meadow Lake Road25.50 - Road 07 near Jackson Lake Reservoir34.00 - Wild Plum Road, access to Wild Plum Campground37.60 - Highway 49, access to Sierra City

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Hiking Project Staff