Pacific Crest Trail: A Journey Through California and Oregon Trail Towns

### Trail Towns: A Hiker's Perspective The Pacific Crest Trail is a challenging journey that requires not only physical endurance but also the support of trail towns. These towns serve as vital resupply points, providing hikers with essential goods, services, and hospitality. In this article, we will explore the various trail towns along the Pacific Crest Trail, from California to Oregon, and highlight their unique characteristics. ### California Trail Towns In California, trail towns are a mix of welcoming communities and bustling hubs. Julian is a true trail town, with hikers galore and a free slice of pie and ice cream for Thru Hikers at Mom's Pie House. Warner Springs has a community center that provides food, showers, and bucket laundry, making it a popular stop for hikers. Idyllwild, on the other hand, is a town that welcomes hikers but also has its fair share of trail entrepreneurs. Big Bear is a trail town that collects pretty much all the hikers, with many trail angels providing support. Wrightwood is a true trail town, with trail angels opening up their homes, providing laundry and showers, and buying beers for hikers. The hardware store has a great hiker resupply, including popular trail shoes. Green Valley has a fire station that provides water and picnic benches, but the town does not seem to be much interested in hikers. Agua Dulce has Maria Bonita's Mexican Restaurant, which allows hikers to sleep on their porch, and Serenity's Oasis, which provides a Mail Drop for boxes and full camping facilities. ### Oregon Trail Towns In Oregon, trail towns are just as diverse as their California counterparts. The next stop is the unique property named "Hiker Town" and Neenach Market in the Antelope Valley, which are owned by the same folks and provide a mail drop and camping. Tehachapi is a very welcoming town, with locals supporting hikers and providing rides. Walker Pass either leads a hiker to Ridgecrest with a Walmart or in the other direction to Lake Isabella and Kernville. Lone Pine is the next town, but today's PCT permit doesn't allow access via Whitney Portal and the Cottonwood Lakes are a distant 26 miles from town. Independence is at the base of the road up to Onion Valley, a major resupply exit from the Sierras. Bishop is the trail town that in part knows it is a trail town and hikers love it, with three backpacking-oriented stores and the Mountain Rambler brewery. Mammoth Lakes is a great resupply trail town that most stop at, with Mammoth Mountaineering Supply having all that hikers need. ### Favorite Trail Towns According to the hiker, the top three trail towns in no particular order are Wrightwood, Bishop, and Burney. Wrightwood is a true trail town with trail angels opening up their homes, providing laundry and showers, and buying beers for hikers. Bishop is a trail town that in part knows it is a trail town and hikers love it, with three backpacking-oriented stores and the Mountain Rambler brewery. Burney is a hiker-friendly town with easy hitches, food, friendly people, and a church that opened up their gym to hikers to sleep in. ### The Journey Continues The Pacific Crest Trail is a journey that requires not only physical endurance but also the support of trail towns. These towns serve as vital resupply points, providing hikers with essential goods, services, and hospitality. Whether it's a welcoming community or a bustling hub, each trail town has its unique characteristics that make the journey worthwhile. ### The Hiker's Account The hiker's account of their journey is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Crest Trail. From the Marble Mountain Wilderness to the Climb out of Seiad Valley, each day is a new adventure. The hiker's love for the trail and its towns is evident in their account, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the Pacific Crest Trail. ### Conclusion The Pacific Crest Trail is a journey that requires not only physical endurance but also the support of trail towns. These towns serve as vital resupply points, providing hikers with essential goods, services, and hospitality. Whether it's a welcoming community or a bustling hub, each trail town has its unique characteristics that make the journey worthwhile.