The first part of our hike this morning took us through the forest and to the bald ridge tops outside the town of Belden. We caught our first glimpse of Mt. Lassen in a few days – it’s not a very tall peak and previously it seemed that there were always trees or other ridges in the way. It disappeared quickly as we started our decent into Belden – a long 5000 foot drop over innumerable switchbacks. We had to be on the lookout for poison oak, as we will for much of the rest of California.

The descent was easy but a bit monotonous. Gnats liked to swarm around our faces but luckily they didn’t seem to bite. Near the bottom we passed a trail crew on their way up. We made sure to thank them for their efforts! At the bottom we hiked right into the Belden Town Resort, apparently the site of weekly raves that we’ve heard a lot about. Our guidebook describes this place as creepy, but I didn’t really get that vibe. Eclectic, maybe, but not creepy.

We were planning to stay with the Braatens, local trail angels that lived just up the highway. They came to pick us up since they hate to have hikers walk the narrow, dangerous road. They have an entire mini-unit for the hikers to use including two bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen. It was very hot in the river valley and our cool showers felt wonderful after the last few sweaty days. Afterwards we walked up to the little country store/RV park nearby to do our laundry, buy snacks and get milkshakes. It was a nice, relaxing afternoon. Towards evening a few other hikers arrived and we chatted with them for a while before turning in. We’ll head out tomorrow morning for Chester two days away, but we were very grateful for our mini-day off.

– Posted from the PCT

Location:Pct mile 1278