Tried to shortcut the PCT section near Crater Lake with a 'local's trail' and ended up bushwhacking for 3 hours before finding the actual path again.

I learned that a hand drawn map on a napkin from a guy at a gas station is not a reliable navigation tool, so what's the best way to verify those off book alternate routes before committing to them?

3 comments

3 Comments

lunah861mo ago

A napkin map, seriously?

diana_park27d ago

Garmin's InReach has downloadable route overlays that can help you compare a local tip to actual trail data.

finley_lee1mo agoTop Commenter

I read that you should always check a local ranger station first.