PCT North from Lake Hughes to Fish Creek PCT Camp (est. 1984)

# PCT North to Fish Creek Trail Camp

### Return via Maxwell Road & Pacific Crest Trail Loop

Saturday, May 30, 2026
Join us for a scenic and challenging adventure along a quieter stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail as we head north toward Fish Creek Trail Camp, returning via portions of Maxwell Road and the PCT. This route offers classic single-track hiking, sweeping panoramic views across the Mojave Desert, abandoned graphite mines, and the kind of peaceful backcountry experience that’s increasingly hard to find so close to Santa Clarita.
We’ll travel through portions of the 2020 Lake Hughes Fire burn zone, where the landscape continues to recover and evolve. Despite the fire impacts, Fish Creek remains a beautiful and rugged wilderness campground with plenty of character and scenic beauty.
This is a solid Moderate+ hike with sustained climbing and steep switchbacks during the first couple of miles. You should be in good hiking condition and comfortable with elevation gain and steady pacing. This hike is not recommended for beginners.

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## HIKE DETAILS

• Distance: Approximately 8 miles total
• Route Type: Out-and-back / lollipop-style loop
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,700 feet
• Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate+
• Pace: Moderate to steady

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## MEET-UP DETAILS

Meet Time: 8:15 AM
Departure Time: 8:30 AM sharp

### Trailhead Location

Meet at the Pacific Crest Trail crossing on Lake Hughes Road.
GPS Coordinates:
34.6597106505698, -118.46047933858053
Google Maps (link)

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## WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking poles highly recommended
• Minimum 3 liters of water, including electrolytes
• Snacks and/or trail lunch for Fish Creek Camp
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera
• Hiking shoes or boots with good tread

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## IMPORTANT NOTES

• Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed and be well-behaved around hikers and other dogs.
• Adventure Pass is not required.
• There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

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## THIS HIKE RANKING

### Level 3 — Intermediate

Please only sign up for hikes that are consistent with your current fitness and hiking ability. Based on your hiking activity during the last 90 days, how would you rate yourself on the THC Hike Rating Scale assuming a moderate pace (~2.5 mph)?

### THC HIKE RANKING SCALE

• Beginner: 1–3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain
• Beginner/Intermediate: 1–7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain
• Intermediate: 5–10 miles, 1,000–2,000 feet elevation gain
• Intermediate/Advanced: 7–12 miles, up to 3,000 feet elevation gain
• Advanced: 10–17 miles, 3,000+ feet elevation gain

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## DONATIONS

We rely on donations to continue sponsoring hikes like this. Please consider contributing via cash donation at the hike.

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## DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY — IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY

When you sign up for this event, you are releasing The Hiking Club from any liability or responsibility associated with your participation in this group activity.
While safety is a priority for everyone in the group, hiking is inherently risky. By participating in any posted event, you are assuming responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Hiking Club (THC) Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders, and we do not confirm the qualifications of members to lead or participate in our events.
All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The Hiking Club Meetup events, you are releasing The Hiking Club Meetup Group and Hike Leaders from all liability in the event of injury or death, as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup Terms of Service located at the bottom of the Meetup website.
Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. By signing up for this hike, you are verifying that this hike is within your abilities.