Pacific Crest Trail Water Report

Near the Third Gate

The Pacific Crest Trail Water Reports are divided into three sections:

Tech-savvy hikers can view the PCT Water Report in Google Drive format here.

Send updates to [email protected] or phone/text (619) 734-7289 or (619) 734-PCTW [voice mail/text only, no one will answer]. These water reports are compiled from hiker updates, posts to the PCT-L, on-line trail journals, and other on-the-ground reports.

Mileage and waypoint names used in the water report are from Halfmile’s PCT maps.

Water Quality: None of the water sources have been tested for water quality and safe consumption. Treat the water using an approved method. Several reports have been received of dead critters in water tanks and springs – since the trail is in critter habitat, assume they could be in any open water source. Much of Southern California is DESERT, so be thankful for the water you find, and treat it.

Water sources change quickly. Reports are only as accurate as the last hiker’s update. Check the date reported and consider that in your planning.

Water Caches should not be relied on. If there is water at a cache, please take only enough to get you to the next water supply and do not waste water. Generally only well established caches are listed, which may or may not be maintained. Caches often run dry, especially when large numbers are hiking during peak thru-hiking season.

Please keep the caches clean and neat. If the cache is in containers smaller than gallons, please take the container with you. Most caches with gallon or larger containers are restocked by reusing the bottles, but if a note says to take the empty please do so. Otherwise, tie up empty bottles so they won’t blow away, and out of sight as much as possible. Do not leave trash at the caches – the cachers have enough to do without cleaning up trash, and trash attracts critters and more trash. Thank the cachers, and don’t criticize them if the cache is empty when you get there – they don’t have to do this for you!

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of principles designed to cultivate outdoor ethics and protect the natural integrity of our land. By following and promoting LNT, you blend your hike with the natural environment and lessen your impact on the trail and the world. The basic principles of LNT:

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Trash and Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impact
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on LNT visit the Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics at www.LNT.org.

These reports are provided as a free service to PCT hikers. I believe the information is accurate but the reports may contain errors. The reports are distributed in the hope that they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
-Halfmile