PCT Day 97 – Quincy (1269.7) to Belden Town (1288.5)

July 10, 2026

Total PCT miles: 18.9

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 18.9 miles / 30.4 km

Total elevation gain: 2589 ft

Total elevation loss: 5896 ft

Steps: 42359

I went to sleep entirely too late last night and woke up entirely too early. Regardless I was excited to get back onto trail. I posted in a Trail Angel Facebook group last night asking how I could skip the section I’m planning on bypassing by public transport and someone actually offered to just drive me. It’s a 4 hour drive one way. I’m completely amazed by the willingness of Trail Angels to go well out of there way to help. Not only that but someone else reached out and has offered me a place to stay in Chester when I arrive! no

Speaking of Trail Angels, Merlot and I were picked up at our hotel at 800 by one who had two other hikers in tow already (Tea Time and Ms Pooh) and brought back to the trail head. Because of this I didn’t have to hitch and was able to get back on trail by 0830 and get most of the climb done before it got too hot! A huge thank you to Carolyn for the ride.

It was only a 2000ish foot climb from the highway today and there was plenty of shade. The high today was pushing 30 degrees so I was thankful for every piece of shade I found.

I entered into the Dixie Fire burn area which I will spend the better part of the next three days hiking in and out off. Much of Northern California’s PCT still bears the scars of the 2021 Dixie Fire, one of the largest single wildfires in California’s history. Sparked in the Feather River Canyon on July 13, 2021, the fire ultimately burned more than 963,000 acres across five counties before it was fully contained over three months later. Entire communities, including Greenville, were devastated, and roughly 74 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail were affected by the fire.

As I hiked through the burn scar, it was impossible not to notice the blackened tree trunks and the young forest slowly reclaiming the landscape. It’s a powerful reminder of both the destructive force of wildfire and the resilience of nature. Every year, firefighters continue to protect these forests and the communities that call them home, often under incredibly dangerous conditions.

From the top of the trail you could see so much of the area was burned. There was a nice breeze up here that was rather refreshing. From here the trail descends 4000 ish feet into Belden Town. Not only did the breeze soon stop but the temperature increased significantly on the way down. The trail also has many downed trees and overgrown sections due to the fire and recent lack of use. By the end my ankles were screaming at me.

Belden town is a place I was really excited to see. Belden might only be home to a handful of permanent residents, but for PCT hikers it’s a place that’s talked about long before you arrive. Nestled beside the Feather River, it’s an oasis after the relentless heat of Northern California. Cold drinks, a hot meal, and a chance to sit by the river make it feel a little bit like paradise. If you come here on the wrong (right?) weekend you’ll be confronted with one of the many music festivals they have here every year.

The best part is that the trail goes directly to the general store / restaurant so I was able to enjoy a real dinner after the 18.9 miles of hiking without doing any extra miles! The bartender, Jennifer confirmed that Belden Town hosts many music festivals and that she had been partying wrong her whole life when she saw how they partied here.

Tomorrow will be a very early morning as I will be confronted with probably one of the toughest if not toughest climb on the PCT. I have a 5000 ft plus climb and I want to do as much of it as possible before the sun makes it even more miserable than it already will be.