Pacific Crest Trail trek update

Editor’s note: The Columbian has been following the progress of two local through-hikers on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as information becomes available.

It’s been a period of scorching heat, volcanic landscapes and night hiking as Anthony Mannello, 27, of Vancouver passed through Lassen Volcanic National Park and Hat Creek Rim of northern California.

He’s covered about 1,500 miles of the 2,650-mile total from Mexico to Canada.

About Lassen, he wrote: “Steam vents, boiling lakes and lava tubes surround the trail. It’s been days since seeing other hikers on the trail and with no gates, fences or major restrictions to these natural wonders, I have full access to explore.”

Hat Creek Rim featured triple-digit temperatures and one of the longest dry stretches on the trail.

Near Burney, Calif., “a trail angel had set up an oasis complete with solar showers, solar charging station and even a dart board. It was nice to clean up before heading to town and resupply.”

But now, Mannello has another goal in reach — Oregon.

“With the first views of Mount Shasta, I know how close I was to Oregon and how far I have come since Mexico….I am now near Castle Crags and less than 200 miles from Oregon! Really looking forward to hiking through the next two states.”