The Pacific Crest Trail

The legendary thru-hike of America’s West Coast states.

Jesse Weber

Images

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On the ridge above Bouquet Reservoir

by The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company

Creative Commons: Attribution
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View from Silver Pass

by fredsharples

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Overlooking the PCT from Ebbetts Peak

by Patrick Alexander

Licence Free

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View on Summit Lake

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Looking back at Diamond Peak and Mount Yoran

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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PCT through a broad meadow

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Obsidian Falls

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Lava fields near McKenzie Pass

by Bonnie Moreland

Licence Free

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Fall colors in a burn area

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Mount Jefferson from the PCT

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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In the Lionshead burn area near Olallie Lake

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Aftermath of the recent Lionshead Fire

by US Forest Service

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PCT through the Eagle Creek Fire area

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Rocky slopes of the Columbia River Gorge

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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On the Knife's Edge shutterstock.com/image-photo/coyote-ridge-along-pacific-crest-trail-140169550

by Shutterstock

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Montane forest and meadows

by US Forest Service

Licence Free

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Description

Stretching from dusty desert on the Mexican border, across snowy mountains in California, to rainy forest at the Canadian border, the Pacific Crest Trail travels through an overwhelming array of environments and covers a daunting distance of 2,650+ miles. It tours some of the American West’s most iconic and wild scenery: sky islands of Southern California, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Yosemite and other national parks of the Sierra Nevada, giant volcanoes of the Cascade Range, and the Columbia River Gorge. A thru-hike earns all this scenery plus the prestige of traveling on foot from one international border to another, across the entire north-south span of the western United States.

Hiking the continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada is, of course, the legendary achievement on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), but there’s no requirement to complete all of it. Most PCT hikers simply do sections at a time, coinciding with ideal seasons by region. Those who attempt the full length typically begin from the south in mid-April or May and finish in August or September. Some hike north to south instead, starting in late June or early July and finishing in October or November.

In many ways, the PCT is an ideal long-distance trail for determined thru-hikers, with a balanced mix of conveniences and challenges. It is well-marked, well-maintained, and gently graded for its full length (occasional washouts and seasonal snowfields notwithstanding). Resupply points and water sources are frequent enough, but just barely so in certain sections. However, the windows can be short for ice-free trails in the mountains and for water sources in the deserts. The seasonal combinations of variables––high and low, hot and cold, wet and dry––necessitate careful planning and preparation for all manner of conditions.

This guidebook contains every mile of the Pacific Crest Trail from a northbound perspective, divided into digestible segments between reasonable access points. This makes the information useful for section hikers making loops or shuttling, and also for distance hikers planning for resupply. Key information like water sources, possible camps, and notable scenery are included, as well as requirements for permits and other tips for logistics. This is by no means an exhaustive resource, but it should serve as a guideline for planning and navigation. Whether or not your goal is to piece together every step of the PCT, this guidebook can be a starting point to get you on the trail.

Adventures

PCT: Campo to Lake Morena

The southernmost section of the PCT, beginning at Mile 0 on the Mexico border, going to Mile 20 at Lake Morena Park.

PCT: Lake Morena to Mount Laguna

Mile 20 to Mile 41.5 of the northbound PCT: Climbing to a highpoint near 6000 feet among cool pine forest in the Laguna Mountains.

PCT: Mount Laguna to Scissors Crossing

Mile 41.5 to Mile 77 of the northbound PCT: Tracing the highland rim with a huge view over the desert, and gradually descending to the parched lower elevations.

PCT: Scissors Crossing to Warner Springs

Mile 77 to 109.5 of the northbound PCT: Continuing a long, waterless stretch through desert hills, then finding greener pastures in the broad valley to the north.

PCT: Warner Springs to Highway 78

Miles 109.5-151.9 of the northbound PCT, and the start of CA Section B: Up and down through expansive desert hills, with crucial stops at friendly hiker havens.

PCT: Highway 74 to Saddle Junction

Miles 151.9-179.4 of the northbound PCT: A long climb into the San Jacinto Mountains, reaching potentially treacherous terrain at the higher elevations.

PCT: Interstate 10 to Big Bear

Miles 209.5-266.1 of the northbound PCT: A long ascent from the low desert into the highlands, through a mountainous wilderness to a bustling resort town.

PCT: Big Bear to Silverwood Lake

Miles 266.1-329 of the northbound PCT: Descending from the mountains through a gorge flowing with water, into a desert basin with a picturesque reservoir.

PCT: Agua Dulce to Lake Hughes

Miles 454.5-485.7 of the northbound PCT: Beginning California Section E, with meandering miles through the desert hills.

PCT: Lake Hughes to Highway 138

Miles 485.7-517.6 of the northbound PCT: A highland traverse overlooking the Mojave, then a quick descent to face the desert.

PCT: Walker Pass to Kennedy Meadows

Miles 652-702 of the northbound PCT, and the start of CA Section G: A journey of ups and downs to finally escape the desert and get into high country, reaching the gateway to the Sierra at Kennedy Meadows.

PCT: Kennedy Meadows to Cottonwood Pass

Miles 702-750.2 of the northbound PCT: From Kennedy Meadows South, along a stretch of the Sierra Crest, to a trail junction near the road that leads to Lone Pine.

PCT: Bishop Pass Junction to Muir Trail Ranch

Miles 831-857.7 of the northbound PCT: Climbing along lakes and falls to Muir Pass, rolling through sky-high meadows of Evolution Basin, then descending through yet another waterfall gorge of the central Sierra Nevada.

PCT: Muir Trail Ranch to VVR Ferry

Miles 857.7-878.7 of the northbound PCT: Crossing over Selden Pass, between two opportunities for resupply in the remote expanse of the central Sierra.

PCT: VVR Ferry to Red's Meadow

Miles 878.7-906.7 of the northbound PCT: Over the seventh of nine major passes in the central Sierra, and reaching the outskirts of Mammoth, CA near Devils Postpile.

PCT: Red's Meadow to Tuolumne Meadows

Miles 906.7-942.5 of the northbound PCT: From Devils Postpile National Monument to Yosemite National Park, through the photo-famous landscape of Ansel Adams Wilderness.

PCT: Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass

Miles 942.5-1016.9 of the northbound PCT: Continuing through the northern reaches of Yosemite National Park, among a labyrinth of granite far removed from the park’s crowded areas.

PCT: Sonora Pass to Ebbetts Pass

Miles 1016.9-1048.8 of the northbound PCT: Through the stark geology of the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, to the crossing of a remote highway on the Sierra crest.

PCT: Ebbetts Pass to Echo Lake

Miles 1048.8-1092.3 of the northbound PCT: Approaching Lake Tahoe through a mosaic of volcanic peaks and granite mounds, with mountainside meadows and alpine lakes around every turn.

PCT: Echo Lake to Barker Pass

Miles 1092.3-1124.8 of the northbound PCT: Through the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe, packed with alpine lakes and prime camping within polished granite basins.

PCT: Sierra City to Quincy La Porte

Miles 1195.4-1234.8 of the northbound PCT: A big climb from the river to the crest, then a stroll along ridges and forest mosaic to the edge of an extensive burn area.

PCT: Bucks Summit to Belden

Miles 1267.9-1287 of the northbound PCT: Up and over a lofty plateau, then abruptly down into a river gorge, within the burn scar of the Dixie Fire.

PCT: Belden to Highway 36

Miles 1287-1331.3 of the northbound PCT: A lengthy incline through the scar of the Dixie Fire, and reaching the midpoint of the trail between Mexico and Canada.

PCT: Highway 36 to Warner Valley

Miles 1331.1-1350.1 of the northbound PCT: Entering Lassen Volcanic National Park for a taste of hydrothermal features that are rare outside of Yellowstone.

PCT: Warner Valley to Old Station

Miles 1350.1-1377.4 of the northbound PCT: Continuing through Lassen National Park, past backcountry lakes and views of volcanic peaks.

PCT: Old Station to Burney Falls

Miles 1377.4-1419 of the PCT: Along a panoramic rim with views to Mount Shasta, then down into a broad valley with entrenched creeks and the spectacle of Burney Falls.

PCT: Burney Falls to Ash Camp

Enjoy frequent views from an undulating ridge, with lush valleys below and the white cap of Mount of Shasta on the horizon.

PCT: Castle Crags to Scott Mountain

Miles 1501.2-1560.2 of the northbound PCT: A stunning hike beneath granite spires of the Castle Crags, then along miles of panoramic ridge within view of Mount Shasta.

PCT: Scott Mountain to Etna Summit

Miles 1560.2-1599.7 of the northbound PCT: Through the rugged expanse of two wilderness areas, each studded with granite peaks and sparkling lakes.

PCT: Seiad Valley to I-5 in Oregon

Miles 1655.9-1718.9 of the northbound PCT: The final big climb from a Northern California valley, then along a panoramic ridge to cross into Oregon.

PCT: Interstate 5 to Hyatt Lake

Miles 1718.9-1742.7 of the northbound PCT: Beginning the ranges of Oregon with a climb and a ridgewalk, among fragrant forest and meadows plus a giant tower of basalt.

PCT: Hyatt Lake to Highway 140

Miles 1742.7-1773.4 of the northbound PCT: Following the Cascade Crest farther into Oregon, through deep conifer forest and over beds of ancient lava.

PCT: Highway 140 to Mazama Village

Miles 1773.4-1820.9 of the northbound PCT: Threading between wooded lakes among volcanic hills, then crossing a long expanse of dry forest on the way into Crater Lake National Park.

PCT: Sky Lakes Alternate

A very tempting deviation from the PCT to camp beside forest lakes, for a change in scenery and reliable water in late summer.

PCT: Stuart Falls Alternate

An alternative that skips some of the “Oregon Desert” expanse of the PCT, where water is scarce for nearly 20 miles.

PCT: Mazama Village to Highway 138

Miles 1820.9-1847.8 of the northbound PCT: Weaving through the volcanic landscape of Crater Lake National Park, but bypassing the namesake attraction itself.

PCT: Crater Rim Alternate

A popular detour from the PCT in Crater Lake National Park, tracing the edge of the caldera for astounding views over the lake.

PCT: Highway 138 to Summit Lake

Miles 1847.8-1890.7 of the northbound PCT: Beginning OR Section D in the Mount Thielsen Wilderness, and cresting the highest point of the PCT in Oregon and Washington.

PCT: Summit Lake to Highway 58

Miles 1890.7-1907.9 of the northbound PCT: Continuing Oregon Section D around the base of Diamond Peak, through a wilderness of deep woods and hidden lakes.

PCT: Highway 58 to Elk Lake junction

Miles 1907.9-1952.6 of the northbound PCT: Traveling expansive old-growth forest on a land of ancient volcanism, entering the Three Sisters Wilderness.

PCT: Elk Lake junction to McKenzie Pass

Miles 1952.6-1983.8 of the northbound PCT: Out of the woods and into a mosaic of black and green, crossing volcanic plateaus and lava flows at the feet of the Three Sisters.

PCT: McKenzie Pass to Santiam Pass

Miles 1983.8-2000.9 of the northbound PCT: Crossing plains of hardened lava plus a patchwork of forest near the base of Mount Washington, and surpassing Mile 2000 of the walk from Mexico to Canada.

PCT: Santiam Pass to Olallie Lake

Miles 2000.9-2045.6 of the northbound PCT: Traversing the rugged slopes of Mount Jefferson and other volcanoes, through a wilderness shaped by ancient glaciers and recent wildfires.

PCT: Olallie Lake to Barlow Pass

Miles 2045.6-2091.7 of the northbound PCT: Moving along the Cascade Crest from the shadow of Mount Jefferson to the foot of Mount Hood, the highest of Oregon’s volcanoes.

PCT: Barlow Pass to Lolo Pass

Miles 2091.7-2114.2 of the northbound PCT: Climbing on the flanks of Mount Hood, to sweeping views over Oregon and up to the mountain’s icy crown.

PCT: Lolo Pass to Cascade Locks

Miles 2114.2-2146.9 of the northbound PCT: Finishing the state of Oregon with a winding ridge walk, then a grueling descent to the Columbia River at the Washington border, and the lowest elevation on the PCT.

PCT: Cascade Locks to Trout Lake

Miles 2146.9-2228.9 of the northbound PCT: Starting the trek into Washington with a prolonged climb from the Columbia River, then a rolling meander through forested hills to the foot of Mount Adams.

PCT: Trout Lake to Potato Hill

Miles 2228.9-2251 of the northbound PCT: Wandering at the foot of Mount Adams, through a patchwork of forest and meadows crossed by glacier-fed streams.

PCT: Potato Hill to White Pass

Miles 2251-2294.9 of the northbound PCT: Through the jaw-dropping landscape of the Goat Rocks, where the trail traces a skyline ridge with views of Mount Rainier.

PCT: White Pass to Chinook Pass

Miles 2294.9-2323.5 of the northbound PCT: Approaching Mount Rainier among montane forest and volcanic ridges dotted with lakes.

PCT: Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass

Miles 2393.2-2464.1 of the northbound PCT: Stunning views along a series of big ups and downs, between high mountain lakes and lush valley forest in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

PCT: Stevens Pass to High Bridge

Miles 2464.1-2571.9 of the northbound PCT: A long expanse through the Glacier Peak Wilderness, centered on Washington's most isolated stratovolcano.

PCT: Rainy Pass to Harts Pass

Miles 2591.1-2622 of the northbound PCT: The last of the big elevation swings in the North Cascades, featuring high ridges with larch trees and a sheltered valley with abundant creeks.

PCT: Harts Pass to Canada Border

Miles 2622-2652.6 of the northbound PCT: The homestretch to Canada, along the Cascade Crest among golden larches and victorious views.