Belden

c) Andrew Carter, 2021

Belden is a tiny little town on the banks of one of the forks of the Feather River in Plumas County. Calling it a town is a bit of an exaggeration, since the few houses and businesses in Belden are so spread out. The town dates to the Gold Rush. It survived thanks to the railroad, and now there is an auto road as well (CA 70). The single-track Union Pacific line running along the river is very active. In fact, the river affords this line the lowest crossing of the Sierra, even lower than the main line at Donner Pass. Add to all of this, a PG&E generating station.

It was a long descent into Belden, and then a long climb out of Belden. Along the PCT, river crossings always involve the longest descents and ascents, followed by railroad crossings which are not along rivers, followed by automobile road crossings which are not along rivers or railroads.

For hikers, the primary attraction to Belden is the Belden Town Resort, which the trail passes through. Also, the small Caribou Crossing RV Park, which is 2 miles off the trail. Both have small stores and serve as resupply points for hikers. The Resort dates back to the establishment of the railroad. The RV park has a post office.

Since the Resort was closed the day I passed through Belden, I spent the night at Caribou Crossing. But the Resort did accept a package Marta had sent me, leaving it out on the back deck of a cabin for me to retrieve.