PCT: Seiad Creek Road Alternate

The Seiad Creek Road Alternate is sometimes utilized by PCT thru-hikers leaving Seiad Valley. The route is 2 miles shorter than the official PCT, and also saves close to 2,000’ of elevation gain. The route follows a road the entire way, but there is very little traffic and it offers easy walking.

You’ll begin by taking a right on the paved Seiad Creek Road, just past the general store and restaurant in town. For the first few miles you’ll walk past private property and some houses, then enter National Forest land. At this point the road turns to gravel.

Seiad Creek is a constant companion for the next couple miles as you hike the enjoyable and shaded forest road.

Eventually you’ll cross the creek via bridge. There is a fantastic swimming hole here. This is also a good spot to fill up on water.

The road then leaves the creek and continues to gain elevation. You’ll begin to loose shade as the route climbs through an old burn area.

One last highlight is a beautiful small waterfall just to the side of the road. You’ll then reach a saddle where the road comes to a junction with the PCT. This is the end of the alternate route. There is good camping here, as well as a reliable spring that can be accessed via a short side trail.