Lightning to Dutton - PCT - OR / C ( partial ), OR

Overview: This trail is part of Section C, Oregon on the Pacific Crest Trail. It is described here from north to south extending from Lightning Springs Trail to the Dutton Creek Trail.


Hike: An immediate crossing of Bybee Creek is the first order of business. In early summer this still may present a challenge to stay dry as the advanced snow melt creates a strong creek flow. Once past the creek the trail takes a gradual grade thru thick old growth forest which provides ample protection from the sun. It also creates a tunnel vision effect on the trail ahead. After the first mile evidence of a past forest fire appears with the stands of dead and charred trees creating an eerie landscape. The trail meanders thru this area and then comes out a pair of water crossings. These are additional tributaries to Bybee Creek. People have taken advantage of the tree downfall in the area to create log crossings. Primitive as they are, they proved to be the best crossings. The trail climbs back into healthy old forest growth in a short time and once again the trail is straight and it appears to go on into infinity. Leveling off the next water obstacle can be heard. Little Castle Creek is just ahead and loud. Waterfalls lie just east of the trail and this crossing also makes use of available logs. The trail widens at this point as if it was a fire road at some point in time. The trail is fairly level at this point as the next water feature appears. Trapper Creek is narrow but was out of its banks at this writing making for a muddy stretch of trail. July is mosquito month here and you would be well advised to be prepared. Any hesitation in hiking would bring swarms of these pesky critters. The final water crossing is one of the tributaries for Castle Creek. This was by far the largest water crossing but easiest to navigate. I left the Pacific Crest Trail at Dutton Creek.

Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2009-07-26 AZLOT69