Hiking on the beginning of section C of the Pacific Crest Trail

From a geocaching perspective, there is an interesting section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that begins just north of I10 near Cabezon. My goal for the day was to start at daybreak from the Cottonwood Canyon trailhead and hike north as far as the Whitewater Preserve. I didn’t achieve those goals, but had a great time anyway.

I got to the trailhead later than I intended because it seems I always underestimate how long it will take me to get organized, have breakfast, and drive. It also took me longer to find some of the caches than I estimated. I got close; I could see the Whitewater River and hear the water, but I adhered to my turn-around schedule and made it back to the trailhead just after sundown.

It was a nice day, in the high 70’s, and just a light breeze. The first caches weren’t too difficult, but after cresting the pass and starting down into the Whitewater drainage, a different cacher was hiding the caches and chose to make them more difficult.

During the 13 mile hike I only ran into one other hiker, and that was near my turn-around point. On my way back, as sunset was approaching, i was serenaded by coyotes—never saw them but there was much barking and howling. Finished with 32 caches found. If I ever get back to the area I’ll start at the Whitewater Preserve trailhead and try to find the other 20 or so caches on the PCT in this area.

Back at the motel, I was too tired to invest much energy in finding a restaurant, so I just went to a nearby mom and pop Greek restaurant (Nina’s Pita and Pizza) that only had 3 tables and ordered takeout. The Yelp reviews were good, and my gyros plate was very good.

Links
—Whitewater PCT 2012 photo gallery