mountain lions, but they are out there. Rattlesnakes are a hazard on sections of the PCT, generally those areas under 6,000 feet. In the plant world, poison oak has a well-deserved nasty reputation and should be avoided at all costs. And possibly the most dangerous things on the trail are microscopic waterborne organisms.
MOSQUITOES, TICKS, AND FLIES
Mosquitoes, ticks, and flies are the most common pitfalls of the PCT hiking experience, mosquitoes being the most plentiful of the three. Fortunately, the populations of these pests thins considerably after most of the standing water in an area has dried up.
Only female mosquitoes draw blood, proving my theory that females tend to work harder than males. The best protection is complete coverage if you’re expecting to travel in mosquito-infested terrain—and on the PCT in the summer, you should expect this.
Bug-net trekking hats are incredibly useful at keeping mosquitoes out of your ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Plus, nets that are attached to wide-brimmed hats keep the net away from your face and provide a less annoying screen through which you can enjoy the scenery.
When hiking in mosquito territory always carry light, loose, long layers. Zip-off pants are popular with many hikers. Leggings in the case of an emergency cover-up will not do the trick as many mosquitoes and/or flies can bite through leggings. Opt for light, loose-fitting, long layers to stave off itchy bites.
Keep in mind that mosquitoes on the PCT aren’t so much dangerous as they are annoying. Some people choose to carry bug repellent containing DEET as a first-course step of treatment. Not only is DEET harmful to the environment, it’s also harmful to apply directly to the skin and can ruin clothing. I recommend carrying bug dope only as a last resort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the plant-based repellent lemon eucalyptus oil to be as effective in the same concentrations; plus it smells better and is safe to use on your skin and clothing.
Ticks tend to be most common in the densely forested areas below 4,000 feet north of the Lake Tahoe area on this section of the PCT. Check your clothing and skin after every hike for any hitchhiking ticks you may have acquired along the way. To remove a tick, grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible with tweezers, and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not puncture a tick, as this might release harmful bacteria.
BLACK BEARS IN CALIFORNIA
An estimated 25,000 to 35,000 black bears call California home. They normally avoid humans, but you should always leave them an escape route if you encounter them. Black bears can sprint up to 35 mph and are strong swimmers and great tree climbers.
While these bears populate most of the area highlighted in this guidebook, the most common place to see bears on this section of the PCT is in the Tuolumne Meadows area in Yosemite National Park. Never leave scented products of any kind—food, beverages, or personal-care products such as lotion and sunscreen—in your vehicle unattended in the park area. The National Park Service provides unlocked communal lockers where hikers can store such items. Additionally, it is illegal to stay overnight in the backcountry in the Tuolumne Meadows area without a regulation bear canister, which you can buy or rent at the ranger station on Tioga Road.
MOUNTAIN LIONS
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