Etna to Seiad Valley: A Home Full of Angels

Content First Appeared on The Trek

I wasn't sure what I was expecting for my first big section back on the trail. It's probably one of the most missed sections in Northern California for most PCT hikers due to the fires. I got to the Sacramento airport on my first night around 10 PM, spent time with my friend, and then spent an entire day traveling to Etna to start this section. I spent the night at the campground and had a trail angel, Dusty, take me up to the trailhead in the morning because I couldn't get a hitch.

Image Source: Paige Combs, "The First Campsite in Etna," July 2026.

The First Day (18 miles)

The views in Etna were phenomenal at 7 in the morning. The sun was rising, the birds were singing, and there was complete silence as I was hiking north from the trailhead. Once Dusty dropped me off, I started my slow ascent out of the valley to the ridge. On my first day, I had about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Hiking along a ridge, there were wildflowers, deer, and grouse.

Even though I haven't been hiking as much, 18 miles to my first campsite didn't feel too challenging. I refilled my water bottles and arrived at a campsite with a beautiful sunset view around 6 PM.

Halfway Through My Journey (23 Miles)

I woke up in the morning with no unusual feelings. Finishing my last major ascent before starting to slide back down into the valley. I was greeted by the heat of 91-degree sun and my very familiar urgency to pee and blood in my urine... yes. Another urinary tract infection. At 10 miles, I arrived at a lake. Again, high heat, high-ish elevation, and never enough water. I had scheduled a bunch of rides in town for the next day to get back to Sacramento, so I knew I couldn't slow down. This meant I had to make my 23 miles for the day. I decided to take a siesta until 2 PM and finished my last chunk until sundown. This final bit wouldn't be easy. I was being warned by other hikers that there were a lot of blowdowns that I would have to cross over. Another PCT hiker who had started in Campo, Southern California, caught up to me and completed some miles with me. Having the comfort of another person was refreshing and distracted me from the pain.

I completed my full day of hiking and collapsed in my tent right at sundown. While falling asleep, I was comforted by the rolling white noise of the river next to my tent. I made a wish, hoping that my last miles into town wouldn't be too difficult, and that I would get there in time for my ride into Yreka.

The Final Miles (9 Miles)

I hiked my last bit first thing in the morning. I accidentally slept through my alarm and left by 6:30 AM. A bit later than I was planning to, but I still made it to the road off of Grider Creek Campground. I'm not sure what helps me get to town when I'm in so much pain. I think I try my best to keep focused on the goal of getting to civilization. And I always know I feel better once I have enough liquids and medications in my system.

Arriving at the Road

I definitely was feeling frustrated and hurt by the time I got to the road, but as soon as I saw the first house on the side of the road, I walked up and asked them if they could take me to town. I knew I couldn't do the last road miles, and there really was no point for me to hike the final 5 miles in pain, so I settled with what I had and skipped 5 of my 14 planned miles that morning. My hitch kindly gave me D-Mannose, fruit, cheese, and plenty of water. I couldn't have been more grateful for their generosity, or the simple chatter we had in his vehicle. Talking about systems, wanting a quieter life, and living off the land.

When I got to town, he told the cashier to call him if my ride bailed on taking me to town. He said he would take me. I thanked him so much for his kindness. My second ride was supposed to just take me to Yreka, and he is a well-known trail angel, Jeff McCabe. We coordinated with Dusty, who was supposed to take me off his hands at Yreka, and he instead took me all the way to the doctor to get my medications and then dropped me off in Dunsmuir with another trail angel, Noelle, who also kindly let me stay the night and eat dinner with her and her family. At midnight, she took me to the Amtrak so I could catch my train to Sacramento and meet my friend who would be joining me for a small section on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Image Source: Paige Combs, "Dunsmuir Train Amtrak to Sacramento," July 2026.

Closing Thoughts

Sometimes I ask myself if it's the hiking that I like, or the community that it naturally brings together. It's such an organic experience, and I find so much alignment in the community; I just wish we could recreate it in the world. I might not have all the answers to all our problems, but I know there is just something wonderfully special about these little trail towns and the angels that take care of us hikers.

Stats in the Wilderness

Temperature Range: 58° - 91°

General Location: Etna, California to Seiad Valley, California

Interesting Fact: This area has striking geological diversity with white marble ridges, red volcanic soils, deep glacial cirques, and a 4,700-foot descent into Grider Creek.

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