Started at the Morse Creek T.H., had not been here before and it can be a little confusing. I parked at a small turnout where the sign says "Bear Gap T.H." 1/2 mile, just below the cabin. After walking the 1/2 mile to the T.H. I realized I could have driven the whole way, there was a truck parked there and enough room for 2 vehicles. I would not attempt this last 1/2 mile in anything other than a high clearance vehicle. There are a couple of different ways to gain the PCT from here and I had planned on doing a loop. At the first junction I took a right and headed up the Fog CIty trail to Pickhandle Gap, the trail is fine but rough and steep. After gaining the PCT I headed north and did the quick side trip up to Bullion Peak. The views from the top aren't the best as the true summit is treed, I would skip this part if going again as the views are much better from Norse Peak. Continued north to Norse Peak which is a wonderful spot but always seems to be a mecca for biting flies. I had a decision to make here on which way to return, I had planned on making a loop via the Basin Lake trail but was advised against that by two different groups I had run into. I don't think either group had done it but through their research they heard it was a bad choice. I decided to give it a go as I always prefer a loop trip. The trail wasn't that bad for the most part, steep and rugged parts for sure and quite a bit of dust. The trail was faint at times but not hard for me to follow with GPS app, or probably even without it. After climbing most of the way up Blue Bell pass I was momentarily convinced that I had made a big mistake coming this way and would have to backtrack. About an eight of a mile from regaining the PCT the trail is washed out in two spots and the crossing is precarious to say the least. I caught a glimpse of two people on the other side and I called out to them asking if they had just crossed. They said that they had and that it was "a little sketchy" but manageable, pretty apt description. There was no way around above or below, both of those options would have led to more dangerous situations. I decided to go forward, more worried about the dog than myself but backtracking from here would have added 6 plus miles to the day and I didn't like that option. The crossing was sketchy but it actually looked worse than it was once I started it. Extreme care is required as a misstep or slip in a couple of spots would lead to a fall with bad consequences for sure. We both made it across fine. In retrospect it is unfortunate that I did not start my loop by going down the Basin Lake trail, I would have gone down the ridge and seen the washout and turned around to retrace my steps the short distance back to the PCT. If you are not comfortable with some exposure I would advise against attempting this trail, at least go take a look at it instead of encountering it at the end of the loop like I did and having to make a more difficult decision. Followed the PCT all the way down to Bear Gap on the return trip so I could see a little bit more of the trail, pretty similar to the fog city trail so I don't think you can go wrong with either one, fog city would be a little bit shorter if you are heading north like I was. Wonderful day in the high country! Bugs weren't too bad, no snow on the trail at all, only saw six other people. Saw an elk, couple fo deer, marmots and a large herd of goats. GPS stats below.
12.39 miles with 3209 of gain. Car to car in 5:45.
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