Central California
Starting: Section M1 - Sierra City
Ending:  Section M4 - Saddle-McRae Ridge

I am not a masochist, but I actually enjoyed the extra 1,400 foot climb today. The hike out of Sierra City is tough- an exposed 2,700 foot climb up the Sierra Buttes. I knew I was going the extra 1,400 feet the moment I saw the fire lookout station at the top (the official PCT doesn't go to the top).

The Sierra Buttes fire lookout station is an amazing structure. Perched atop the highest pinnacle, the station’s foundation fills the entire tiny summit. A series of steel staircases bolted directly to stone finishes the long ascent. The catwalk that wraps around the station actually hangs over the side & gives a heart pounding view 600 feet straight down. It is one of those structures you see & think "how the hell did they build that?".

The view from the top was worth it- I could see all the way to snow capped Mt. Lassen, an upcoming destination...