In August 2023, the remnants of Hurricane Hilary caused significant damage to portions of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Sand to Snow National Monument. The damage in the affected stretch (mile 216 to 241) particularly impacts the Whitewater and especially Mission Creek drainages. Reports indicate that the most significant impacts to travel may be in the upper portion of North Fork Mission Creek (~mile 235-238). A range of challenges include major trail washouts, substantial debris accumulation, erosion of trail entrances and exits along the riverbed, and in some instances, complete trail disappearance. This section of the PCT is heavily damaged, has been deemed hazardous, and are not suitable for equestrian traffic. The current conditions within the Mission Creek bed surpass acceptable thresholds of risk for hikers, necessitating caution and potentially alternative routes for safe passage. As hikers progress further along the trail, the situation deteriorates notably due to the narrowing of the canyon walls. In upper North Fork Mission Creek, hikers report cliffs and waterfalls impacting travel through the creek bed. The identified hazards encompass a range of risks, including slips, trips, falls, and strains, as well as the potential for getting lost, encountering falling or rolling objects, navigating stream crossings, contending with dense brush, traversing uneven terrain, and facing scratches and soft tissue injuries. In the riverbed, posts that typically mark the designated trail have been swept away and lie amidst the debris, complicating navigation efforts. Locating the trail becomes increasingly arduous, necessitating extensive backtracking to find a safe crossing point. The search for a secure route significantly adds to the overall mileage, effectively doubling the distance traveled. Moreover, the likelihood of getting lost further compounds the hike's challenges, contributing to an increase in total mileage.

Serious caution is advised. Many people would be wise to plan trips elsewhere.

If you do enter the area, leave a trip plan with your trusted contact, be prepared to turn around, carry extra food, and know that your safety is your responsibility. The time to make a safety decision is before it’s too late.

To skip around this area:

Consider leaving the trail between Interstate 10 (209.5) or Whitewater Preserve (218.5) and Rainbow Lane (250.2) or Onyx Summit (252.2). A limited public transit network exists that may help you travel between Interstate 10 and Big Bear. SunLine Transit Agency operates the Commuter Link 220, which stops at Casino Morongo and Beaumont Walmart and reaches the San Bernardino Transit Center. Mountain Transit provides service from the San Bernardino Transit Center to Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City. Google Maps' transit feature will help you see these options.