PCT Trail Sign Vandalism

imported
#1

INteresting discussion of vandalism on PCT trail signs in Washinton.

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7970538

Daniel Smith

#2

The sign that was marek up didn’t look too bad and was probably very helpful.

I think the PCTA needs to look into better signage for the trail. I have encountered some very confusing sections and I have only hiked about 1/4th of the trail. I can imagine how frustrating it would be encountering those same sections in the snow.

I think calling it vandalism is a litte too extreme.

jalanjalan

#3

At least in some wilderness areas, the US Forest Service wants less and less signage (this varies by individual national forest). They want less human artifacts in the wilderness, and for people to rely on their own navigation skills.

Some of the impromptu additions to trail signs are themselves inaccurate. I’ve seen quite a few of those! If the markings are permanent, the Forest Service has to replace the sign, which means that much less money for more important trail maintenance.

However, the Forest Service can be wrong, too. I am thinking of the southern end of the Fremont Trail (CDT) in Wyoming’s Wind Rivers, where you first encounter a sign saying that Dad’s Lake is 4 miles up the trail. The next sign, a half mile farther along the trail to Dad’s Lake, says it’s 4 1/2 miles!

Better to rely on your own map/compass/GPS than on signs!

grannyhiker

#4

I added a bit more to that thread (with more photos). I am one who doesn’t have a big issue with the markings. Yesterday I saw even more reasons why it isn’t always wrong to be hanging with the Sharpie Marker.

Is it right? Probably not. But lets face it, the work isn’t being done where signs are gone. They don’t get replaced.

Sarbar