PCT: Little Hyatt Lake to Big Hyatt Lake

This section of the PCT between Little Hyatt Lake and “big” Hyatt Lake is a mile and a half so add on by exploring the lakes!

Driving

–This 35 minute drive starts south through town on Main Street/Siskiyou towards the University. Turn left on Ashland Street towards Interstate 5. Don’t get on the Interstate! Go over it! The road sweeps to the right and you will continue towards, and past, Emigrant Lake. This becomes Green Springs Highway and heads uphill into the mountains. 15 minutes of winding road later you will see Soda Mountain Road on your right and Little Hyatt Lake road is on your left. Turn left and drive for about 3 miles on this well-maintained gravel road to Little Hyatt Lake.

Parking

– You can park in the rutted round-about below the dam.

The Adventure

– The PCT comes in to this area along that cool little bridge below the dam so follow that to where the trail crosses the gravel road. There is the usual PCT bug on a sign so you know you are on your way so head uphill. You’ll start with a steady, moderate uphill for 1/2 mile. It’s some nice, piney PCT trail hiking. At one point you cross a gravel road that isn’t on a map so I assume it’s a rich person’s remote driveway? Maybe? Quickly, you pop out onto Hyatt Lake Road. To your left you can see the road down to the Hyatt Lake campground area with boat ramps and flush toilets and playgrounds and all the lake stuff. I mean, climate change has ruined that for 10 1/2 months of the year, but if you’re there during the month of May sweet spot, enjoy that. Otherwise, might I suggest you continue across the road and along the PCT for 1/4 mile to the funky water supply. It’s a water fountain and faucet in the middle of a trail. I dunno. I got a kick out of it. Now fill your water bottle and head on back.