PCT Day 3 – Boulder Oaks Camp Ground to Laguna campground

Early bird gets the town food.

Start mileage: 25.0

End mileage: 47.5

Non PCT miles: 0.7

Total: 22.2 miles / 35.7 km

Total elevation gain: 4504

Steps: 52651

I was up bright and early to start the climb to Mount Laguna and hopefully beat some of the heat. Mount Laguna is a very small town that sits at 6000 ft elevation And it is all uphill from boulder oaks camp ground. The weather forecast wasn’t too hot but there wasn’t going to be a single cloud in the sky so I decided an early start was best. Town food was calling my name and everything closes early! I was making good miles as the sun started to rise and hiked alone throughout the day stopping for a quick breakfast and again to rest in the shade during the worst of the heat.

Throughout the day I heard and saw several military aircraft flying in the area. I’m sure there must be some military bases relatively close by. Which might explain the warning sign about unexploded ordinance I passed by.

The last mile or two at 6000 ft is in an actual pine tree forest that provided a welcome relief from the sun. Walking through i could faintly smell the pine and remembered the smell clearly from 2018. I arrived at Pine House cafe with plenty of time to spare! There have definitely been some renovations here and I was surprised to hear French music playing as I sat down at my table. It is now owned by a French couple from France. I think the waiter was equally surprised when I ordered my meal in French. I absolutely destroyed the burger and fries.

I did a quick resupply at the store and contemplated my options for the night. In this area you are not allowed to disperse camp. That is to say for about 20 miles of the PCT in Cleveland National Forest you can only camp at maintained (car camping) camp sites. The camp site in Mount Laguna its self only opens late April leaving only one more 6 miles out of town. Other options include overpriced bunkhouses and lodge.

I was feeling good and thought I still had enough in the tank to get me to the next camp ground so I made the less comfortable decision and went on my way. In 2018 I took my first zero in Mount Laguna – I was struggling hard and wanted a warm cozy bed a shower and clean clothes. This time around I elect for the hard way and don’t regret it (much).

The trail to the campground was mostly downhill and had some beautiful vistas. It’s really too bad your not legally aloud to camp In many of the places I saw. I arrived at camp with just enough time to set up my tent before it started to get dark and I am exhausted! The only regret I have is that I’m not set up on the flattest of ground. So it might not be the best sleep.

I’m really proud of my 22.2 mile day today but it has resulted in one blister on my right foot that will surely be a pain for the next few days. I’ll probably try and take it a bit easier tomorrow.