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Book details

  • Genre:travel
  • Sub-genre:Special Interest / Hikes & Walks
  • Language:English
  • Series Title:PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey
  • Series Number:2
  • Pages:336
  • eBook ISBN:9798317829032
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798999649201

PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey Book 2

Hiker Town to Tehachapi, CA Tejachapi, CA to Walker Pass PCT Section 3 SOBO: Northern CA (CA/OR Border to South Lake Tahoe)

By Dennis Clairmont

Overview

PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey: Book Two carries readers through deserts, foothills, and the granite spine of Northern California. Beginning near Tehachapi and weaving southbound from the Oregon border, Dennis A. Clairmont ("PapaDen") invites readers into the raw realities and unexpected wonders of the PCT. From water caches and trail angels in the Mojave, to the endless ridges of the Trinity Alps, to the solitude of Desolation Wilderness, this memoir blends immersive storytelling, detailed daily itineraries, and vivid photography. More than a trail log, it is a meditation on endurance, faith, and the healing power of wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned thru-hiker or an armchair adventurer, Book Two captures the grit, grace, and grandeur of the Pacific Crest Trail's Northern California miles.
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Description

In PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey: Book Two, Dennis Armand Clairmont continues his immersive memoir of hiking America's legendary Pacific Crest Trail. This volume follows three distinct arcs of his 2019 trek: the desert approach from Hiker Town to Tehachapi, the climb from Tehachapi to Walker Pass, and the sweeping northbound return southbound from the Oregon border to South Lake Tahoe. Through poetic detail and raw honesty, PapaDen captures the paradox of the trail—harsh desert winds one day, alpine wildflowers the next; loneliness beneath endless ridgelines followed by the gift of trail magic at an impromptu "bar and grill" in the wilderness. Each chapter reads like a journey within a journey, carrying readers from the Mojave's sunbaked aqueduct miles to the volcanic landscapes of Lassen, the quiet creeks of the Trinity Alps, and the granite cathedrals of Desolation Wilderness. Beyond the geography, this book is about transformation. The author reveals the inner pilgrimage every long-distance hiker walks: discovering resilience in fatigue, grace in hardship, and unexpected peace within the movement of one step after another. Daily itineraries, resupply details, and photography enrich the narrative, making it not only a memoir but also a practical companion for future hikers. For anyone curious about the realities of the PCT—its camaraderie, solitude, dangers, and joys—Book Two offers a window into a journey where landscapes shape the hiker as much as the miles covered. As the story culminates at Echo Lake, the stage is set for the High Sierra, where Book Three continues the adventure.
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About The Author

DENNIS ARMAND CLAIRMONT was raised in the small New England town of Gilford Village, New Hampshire, at the base of Gunstock Mountain, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. Fall meant playing football, winter brought skiing, and spring was for baseball. But summer was always his favorite season—building treehouses, digging underground forts, fishing for trout in nearby streams, raking blueberries, and hiking and camping with the Boy Scouts. In 1968, his family relocated from New England to California, leaving behind the landscape that had shaped his early passions. More than five decades later, after raising four children, Dennis found himself returning to those childhood roots. At 66 years old—despite arthritic knees and armed only with a backpack—he set out to undertake the most physically demanding challenge of his life: hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Campo, California, to the Canadian border. Dennis has chronicled that adventure in PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey, a trilogy of three books that tells the full story—one of perseverance, adventure, and personal rediscovery along one of America's great long-distance trails. Dennis now lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife Shelley—his college sweetheart—after 52 years of marriage. They remain close to their four children and fifteen grandchildren.
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Book Reviews

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Dennis
PapaDen’s Pacific Crest Trail Journey Book 2 Dennis Clairmont’s trilogy on hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a true gift for anyone who loves nature, adventure, or the quiet joy of walking through God’s creation. Each book explores a different stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering a rich variety of terrain and landscapes that keep the reader engaged—whether you read one book or immerse yourself in all three. Book One covers Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. Book Two returns to the section from Hiker Town to Tehachapi and continues on to Walker Pass, then picks up again at the California–Oregon border and heads southbound to South Lake Tahoe (PCT Section 3, SOBO: Northern California). Book Three follows the trail from Walker Pass northbound to South Lake Tahoe (PCT Section 2, NOBO: Sierra Nevada). Throughout these journeys, Clairmont perseveres along the PCT looking forward to the promise of the towering peaks of the glorious Sierra. Beyond their beauty, these books are remarkably practical. Clairmont includes appendices with daily itineraries, mileage charts, detailed meal planning, and resupply locations—so thorough they could serve as an actual blueprint for a thru-hike. For anyone dreaming of taking on the PCT, his guidance is both reassuring and indispensable. Clairmont also weaves in fascinating tidbits of history throughout, adding depth and capturing the interest of history buffs. Pictures are placed at just the right intervals, giving welcome glimpses into the landscapes he describes. Perhaps the most moving element of Clairmont’s writing is the gentle, steady gratitude woven through every chapter. His reflections offer the same comfort as settling into camp after a long, satisfying day—breathing deeply, absorbing the stillness, and feeling grateful for the beauty that surrounds you. Along the way, the reader is invited into moments of camaraderie with fellow thru-hikers and trail angels—swapping stories, sharing meals, and taking stock of how far they’ve come. These encounters add warmth and humanity to the rugged solitude of the trail. Whether you’re planning your own Pacific Crest Trail journey or simply want to experience the wilderness from the comfort of home, these books are an uplifting, inspiring companion you’ll return to again and again. Marsha Hinaman 12-18-2025 Read more
Marsha
PapaDen's Pacific Crest Trail Journey Dennis Clairmont’s book about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is a guide and a treasure for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those who appreciate the serenity of exploring God’s creation on foot. Clairmont’s narrative takes us through the trail from Hiker Town at Tehachapi to Walker Pass in Southern California, then circles back to Northern California at the California/Oregon border, and finally heads south to North Lake Tahoe. The detailed descriptions and downloadable PCT trail map make it easy to follow his journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern California. What sets this book apart is its practicality. Clairmont provides daily itineraries, mileage charts, meal plans, and resupply locations, making it an invaluable resource for anyone considering a thru-hike on the PCT. Additionally, he sprinkles historical insights throughout the book, complemented by well-placed photographs that bring the scenery to life. But what truly makes Clairmont’s writing special is its immersive quality. Reading his words, you can almost feel the mountain air on your skin, hear the crunch of rocks underfoot, and witness the beauty of the wildlife along the trail. His gratitude and reflections add a sense of peace and appreciation for the natural world. The book also captures the camaraderie among hikers and trail angels, showcasing the warmth and humanity found on the trail. Whether you’re planning your own PCT adventure or simply seeking inspiration from home, Clairmont’s guide is a companion that will uplift and inspire you time and time again. Read more