Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M - Highway 49 (Sierra City) to Belden

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section M  is an 89-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This section extends from Highway 49 near Sierra City to Highway 70 / Belden, California. The moderately rated section includes glaciated lake basins, the Middle and North Fork canyons of the Feather River, Douglas-fir trees, various pines, and interesting volcanic rocks. PCT Section M is accessible for day trips as well as long-distance/section hikes and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. 

The trail winds its way north from Highway 49 through forested terrain intersecting various roads, crossing the Middle Fork Feather River, and entering Bucks Lake Wilderness. This section ends in the north and at Belden Town Resort and Lodge. 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Highway 49

24.00 - Cowell Road / 23N08

31.00 - Johnsonville McRae Road

39.00 - Quincy / LaPorte Road

54.00 - Wild and Scenic MIddle Fork Feather River

67.00 - Big Creek Road, access to Quincy and Bucks Lake

71.00 - Buck Lake Road , access to Quincy and Bucks Lake

89.00 - Highway 70 / Belden Town Resort and Lodge

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/.

HALFMILE MAPS

Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. 

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Belden Town Resort and Lodge: https://www.facebook.com/beldentownresortandlodge/.

Wild and Scenic Feather River (Middle Fork) - https://www.rivers.gov/rivers/feather.php.