PCT-12 Packer Saddle North to the "A" Tree
DESCRIPTION:
Gentle trek (no bikes) along the Sierra Crest with high-mountain lakes lying below on all sides. The "A-tree" site lies at the end of the Forest Service Road #23N08, accessed from Hwy 70 or through the Plumas-Eureka State Park (see below). Shuttle opportunity is long and slow. The "A-tree" served as a drop off point for mail at the junction of stage line roads during the Gold Rush. The tree is long gone, but the pass retains the name by locals. If you don’t want to hike the full distance, many hike north from Packer Saddle and double back whenever they want to -- unless they’re heading to Canada. Popular alternative destinations: Deer Lake Connect Trail and Salmon Lake, 3.2 miles; Summit Lake and Gold Lake OHV connection, 3.8 miles; Oakland Pond and Round Lake connect trail, 5.0 miles; and Wades Lake Trail junction 8.3 miles. Using Gold Valley Road (Forest Service #93.3) to north of Summit Lake offers another shuttle option.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 7000’-6540’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To PCT-12 Packer Saddle North to the "A" Tree
Topographic Maps: Sierra City, Gold Lakes. Follow Pacific Crest Trail north.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
Easy, wide trail with great lake sites located off the Sierra Crest to both sides that can be used for destinations. On the Plumas National Forest only Wades Lake or the others farther down Jamison Creek can be used for primitive camping. There are no similar restrictions on the Tahoe National Forest.
