Adventure 16 Blog » Weekend Getaway: Cooper Canyon Trail Camp in the Angeles National Forest

By Patti Kulesz, Adventure 16 Sales Associate, WLA Store

This hike-in trail camp, located on a 6-mile round trip section of the PCT, is my favorite overnight getaway when I only have one night to spend in the wilderness.

After driving to the trailhead, we backpacked down to camp, made dinner (fresh veggies and couscous), set up camp, and played checkers (3 games). The next morning after breakfast we hiked to the waterfall and spent the morning playing in the pool at the bottom of the fall. Then we hiked back to camp, picked up our packs and hiked out. We stopped at a deli in La Canada for lunch.

RECOMMENDED GEAR
The North Face Paramount Capris: I really love the fit and the comfort of these Capris. Even bending the knees to climb is easy with these on. They dry fast when wet and keep you cool when it’s hot. No searching around in the backpack for your camera with the big pockets on the legs, there is plenty of room to store and grab it quickly when needed. The TNF Capris are also very stylish, not granny style with the low cut hip band. They can be worn for everyday use as well.

Mountain Hardwear Ultra Lamina 32 Sleeping Bag: I love this bag. It got cooler out and we didn’t have any more layers to put on, so we stepped inside the tent and got in our bags. My friend was jealous when we were playing checkers and I unzipped the bottom half of the two arm zippers on my bag and stuck my arms out to play, still wrapped up warmly in my bag. This bag is also very light and small when compressed. I hardly noticed it in my 34 L pack–still had lots of space to spare.

TIPS
Take lightweight gear, as it’s uphill hike on the way out–two miles on the fire road and three on the PCT. Wear lots of sunscreen, hat, and long sleeves for sun protection on the fire road. For a longer trip, hike more miles on the PCT or head up to Buckhorn campground.

BEWARE OF: Possibility of Boy Scout troops there on weekends, but there is a secluded spot off to the right of the campground entrance.

HIGHLIGHT OF TRIP: Looking at all the stars at night, no rain fly, the beautiful trees, the peace and quiet, and waterfall. Found a cache stored down there…fun, fun!