I’ve been reading the journals for awhile now, and what I think of as the “new” trail in F and the first part of G before KM sounds like it kind of sucks, particularly after the fire a couple of years ago. I did the PCT back in '81, when Section F was the infamous bushwack up Butterbredt past the so-called “cantaloupe colored rock” that no one could ever find. This took you to Kelso Valley Rd. which you followed down to Weldon.
My point is that I remember the trail from Weldon to KM as being very pleasant: well watered, forested and shady, big meadows (I think this would also be shorter than the new trail, but I’ll have to check that). Some of it was on FS dirt roads, but there was no traffic, and the Siretta Pass area was just beautiful. This route rejoins the “new” trail in Rockhouse Basin just before KM. While people today are sweating the next water hole, we were catching trout for supper. (Yes, carried a fly rod and case. And wool. And a 6.5 lb. VE-23 tent. And a 5lb. D-3 Jansport pack. And on. And on. Like a climbing buddy of mine says, “If you’re gonna be stupid, you gotta be tough.”)
My question is, why doesn’t anyone turn off the trail at Kelso Valley and follow the “old” trail. Maybe it isn’t the “official” route anymore, but it is still PCT in my mind and a continuous line to Canada. This takes you right by the PO in Weldon (or did), and the section north of there makes the little bit of road walking worthwhile. I know when I bundle the kid off to college in a few years and go back for a repeat trip, this is the way I’m going to go. To h**l with that slaving up long hot exposed climbs on trail ripped up by dirtbikers.
My question is, does anyone know whether access to the old route N. of Weldon been affected since the official route was moved? Also, how much did the big fire affect this route? (i.e. does anyone know how far west the fire extended?)
Pappy