The Bear Fire (part of the North Complex) burned across approximately 30 miles of the PCT on both sides of the Middle Fork Feather River in 2020. As the years go on, the burned trees are falling in increasing numbers, and brushy plants have had time to grow big enough to choke the trail. The Bear Fire scar is a troubling and extreme example of how wildfire can cause decades of maintenance challenges, and how sometimes the impacts come years later. Many people will wisely choose to avoid this section of the PCT. It is impassable to stock. If you do attempt to pass through the area, be prepared for very heavy brush, a hard time even seeing the PCT, and a huge number of trees that have fallen across the trail. The worst trail conditions are on the south side of the Middle Fork Feather River canyon from mile 1244 through mile 1251. Since the Bear Fire in 2020, a lot of work has been accomplished. For a time, we got the trail clear and passable. Trail crews were diverted from the area in 2021 because of the Dixie Fire but returned in ’22 and ’23. Some work has been done in 2025 already, and another trail crew is scheduled to work in the area for eight weeks this summer, likely after many northbound thru-hikers have passed through. Unfortunately, it seems that the Bear Fire may tax available resources for years to come. Please volunteer. The community of people who do this essential work is small and we are asking for more help. To all the staff, partners, volunteers, and corps crew members who have worked in this burn already, or who will, thank you.

How to avoid the area

Consider traveling by car between Quincy-LaPorte Road (mile 1236.5) and Big Creek Road (mile 1265.2). Or, to avoid some of the worst damage on foot, at mile 1245.4, turn left (west) onto Road 23N65Y. Then, turn right (north) onto Road 23N65YB and take it back to the PCT at mile 1248.8. Please note that this detour is either fully or partially unsigned, so navigate it carefully. We have been informed that at the northern end of the detour the Road 23N65YB/PCT junction is unsigned and it's hard to find the PCT.

Burn area safety

We strongly recommend against traveling through this area alone as the risk of injury increases in all burn areas. Trees are falling at a rapid rate in this area, so do not camp under dead trees. It may be that there is no safe place to camp in a large area. Please read our burn area safety information.