Taboose Pass

This is a difficult trail that accesses the PCT from the east outside Aberdeen. There are no accommodations along the trail. Please pack out all trash and bury human waste away from water sources. Parking: From I-395, head west on Taboose Creek Road approximately six miles on graded dirt road until it ends (just past the horse corrals). Dirt road is accessible to most vehicles with fair clearance. Do not leave food or valuables in unattended vehicles. The Trail: The trail leaves the parking lot and begins a more gradual grade towards the pass. The trail continues east following Taboose Creek down below. There is relatively easy creek access for the first two miles until the trail cuts up on the north side a little higher than the creek. There are two easy creek crossings at approximately miles 3.5 and 4.7. It will also pass two primitive campsites at approximately miles 3.7 and 6.1. Both camping areas can be exposed to wind and do not have close water access. Arrive prepared. There are views of a modest waterfall from the trail around mile 5.5. Snowmelt often pools into accessible ponds nearing the top of the pass around mile 7.2. This portion of the trail is fairly steep (average grade of 16.5%) and often exposed. It is an infrequently maintained trail with easy scree nearing the top of the pass. The top of the pass provides views into Kings Canyon National Park and Bench Lake in the distance. The JMT is located toward the bottom of the valley.