Note: I am taking the PCT while working full time remotely. I work Monday through Thursday from my RV, run Monday through Thursday nights, and hike Friday through Sunday before returning to base camp. It’s a balance between miles of trails, logistics and recovery; Learn more about how it works here: https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/my-plan-to-hike-the-pct.
Section L was the shortest section so far at 38.4 miles.
After weeks of traveling through snow, carrying heavy food, and constantly adapting my hiking strategy, this section was easier too.
The miles were easy, the scenery was still spectacular, and for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t focused on problem-solving.
Section Snapshot
- Miles: 1158.1 → 1196.5
- Start/End: Donner Summit → Highway 49 (Sierra City)
- Conditions: Warm summer weather with clear skies
- Land: Granite mountain ranges, alpine lakes, forests and volcanic outcrops
- Style: Day hike and slackpacking.
- Passed: Fast, efficient and fun
- RV Camping: East Meadow Camp
Mileage
- Friday, July 3, 2026 — Mile 1158.1 to 1185.0
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 — Mile 1185.0 to 1196.5
What defined section L
The L section felt like the Sierra’s farewell.
Towering granite peaks begin to give way to thicker forests and rolling ridges. While there were still beautiful alpine lakes and expansive views, the trail became gentler and more forgiving.
It was also a section where the hike felt faster than ever.
With a light backpack and a well-maintained trail, I found myself covering miles almost effortlessly compared to just a few weeks earlier.
Fast miles and a small town 4th of July
Leaving Donner Summit, the trail wasted no time in reminding me why Northern California is so beloved. The tread was gentle, the climbs gradual and the forests seemed lush after the exposed terrain further south. Long stretches wind through towering pine trees before opening to granite outcrops with panoramic views of the Sierra Norte.
The landscape was different from that of the High Sierra, but no less pleasant.
Instead of spectacular alpine passes, this section featured tranquil lakes, shady forests, meadows full of wildflowers, and ridges that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. The hike required much less concentration than the snow-covered Sierra, giving me more opportunities to simply look around and appreciate where I was.
The lighter backpack continued to make a noticeable difference. Without overnight gear or a bear canister, I found myself naturally alternating between hiking and trail running whenever the terrain permitted. At the beginning of the ride, I celebrated just finishing the twenty-mile days. I was now covering stretches of almost fifty kilometers and at the same time I felt strong at the end of the day.
A standout moment came at the end of the section.
After finishing my hike, I celebrated the 4th of July in Sierra City. A local Tom Petty cover band was playing in town and hikers, locals and visitors gathered for the night. It seemed like exactly the kind of small-town celebration you hope to stumble upon while traveling.
For a few hours no one talked about mileage, resupplies or weather forecasts.
We were just enjoying good music, food, alcohol and company.
Since I spend most of my days hiking alone, nights like that have become some of my favorite memories. The magic of the trail is wonderful, but it’s often these unexpected community moments that remind me that the PCT is not just about the places you hike, but also the people you meet along the way.
- Find an efficient routine
- I continued to use day hikes and slackpacking to balance work and the trail.
- The system felt completely refined at this point.
- Faster pace
- A smoother trail and a lighter pack allowed for more trail running.
- I covered significantly more mileage with less effort.
- Excellent trail conditions
- Much smoother tread than the High Sierra.
- Very suitable for higher mileage days.
- Sierra City is worth enjoying
- A classic PCT trail town with a welcoming atmosphere.
- An ideal place to relax before continuing north.
Section L reminded me how much my perspective has changed since Campo.
At the beginning of the hike, I judged each section by how difficult it was.
Now I appreciate those that simply allow me to enjoy hiking.
The road still challenged me.
It simply no longer demanded every ounce of my attention.
Sometimes that’s exactly what makes a section memorable.
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