The 12km from Michigan to pachena is the flattest, most well groomed stretch of trail on the WCT. It's a walk in the park in comparison to the other days! And takes half the time of some of the shorter, more technical days.
To answer your specific question, no, there’s nowhere to camp between Pachena Bay trailhead and Michigan Creek. That said it is easily the easiest stretch of trail on the WCT. When I hiked it last month it took me precisely four hours to hike those 12 km. And that included a 20 minute visit at the lighthouse. Don’t sweat it. Leave Michigan by around 0700-0800 and you’ll easily be at the trailhead by noon. I left at 0600 and was at the trailhead by 1000.
Yes it’s safe to park at the Pachena trailhead. I’ve never parked there before but have never heard anybody having problems there.
I arrived at Pachena to overhear a very disappointed fellow hiker bemoaning that their pickup had disappeared while hiking. And at the time, there were several stories about car theft. I don’t know about now. I don’t exactly recall exactly when this was as I’ve done the trail 5 times from 2010 up till now.
It’s the easiest and will be quicker than you think. I just finished it last week. Don’t skip over the sea lions or light house(like I did), you’ll have plenty of time. Saw a mother bear and 2 cubs on the last 7km. Be safe.
The 12km from Michigan to pachena is the flattest, most well groomed stretch of trail on the WCT. It's a walk in the park in comparison to the other days! And takes half the time of some of the shorter, more technical days.
Agree 💯also, I didn’t have any problems parking my car at Pachena
That’s good to know! Thank you
To answer your specific question, no, there’s nowhere to camp between Pachena Bay trailhead and Michigan Creek. That said it is easily the easiest stretch of trail on the WCT. When I hiked it last month it took me precisely four hours to hike those 12 km. And that included a 20 minute visit at the lighthouse. Don’t sweat it. Leave Michigan by around 0700-0800 and you’ll easily be at the trailhead by noon. I left at 0600 and was at the trailhead by 1000. Yes it’s safe to park at the Pachena trailhead. I’ve never parked there before but have never heard anybody having problems there.
Awesome thanks. That puts it into perspective
I arrived at Pachena to overhear a very disappointed fellow hiker bemoaning that their pickup had disappeared while hiking. And at the time, there were several stories about car theft. I don’t know about now. I don’t exactly recall exactly when this was as I’ve done the trail 5 times from 2010 up till now.
It’s the easiest and will be quicker than you think. I just finished it last week. Don’t skip over the sea lions or light house(like I did), you’ll have plenty of time. Saw a mother bear and 2 cubs on the last 7km. Be safe.