Pacific Crest Trail: route guide

The PCT runs along the mountain crests of the western United States, from the Mexican border near Campo, California, to Monument 78 on the Canadian border, where the nearest town is Manning Park, British Columbia. It crosses California, Oregon and Washington, passing through 25 national forests and 7 national parks.

The route links older trails: the John Muir Trail and Tahoe-Yosemite Trail in California, the Skyline Trail in Oregon and the Cascade Crest Trail in Washington. Elevation runs from just above sea level at the Oregon–Washington border to 4,009 m (13,153 ft) at Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada. The midpoint falls near Chester, California, close to Mount Lassen, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges meet.

Congress designated the PCT a National Scenic Trail in 1968 under the National Trails System Act. It is administered by the US Forest Service with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, California State Parks and the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA). The trail was declared complete in 1993.

Most hikers go northbound (NOBO), starting at Campo in late April or early May and finishing in Washington before snow returns in October. A southbound (SOBO) start from Manning Park is possible from late June, but the window is tighter and the Sierra must be crossed before early snow.

The first stretch through Southern California is hot, dry and low, with long carries between water sources. The Sierra Nevada is the crux: snow, high passes and river crossings decide when you can enter, usually June at the earliest in a normal year. Northern California and Oregon are gentler, with volcanic terrain and more towns close to the trail. Washington brings the wettest, coldest weather and the biggest climbs of the northern half.

You do not need to thru-hike to use the trail. Section hikes of one to three weeks are common, and each state has easy access points from airports and highways.

The thru-hike window is set by snow at both ends. Start too early and the Sierra passes are snowbound; start too late and Washington catches autumn storms. Late April to early May is the usual NOBO start, with the Sierra crossed in June or July and Canada reached by late September or early October.

Section hikers have more choice. The Sierra is best in July–September, once snow has melted and rivers have dropped. Oregon is at its driest in July–August. Washington is usually best in August–September, before the first big storms.

Wildfire is now a real planning factor. Closures can shut long stretches in California, Oregon and Washington in July–September, and smoke can make hiking unsafe. Check trail closures and fire conditions before and during your trip.

On the trail you camp. Dispersed camping is allowed along most of the PCT on federal land, but rules differ in national parks and some state parks, where you must use designated sites or get a permit. In the Sierra, a bear canister is required in many areas, and food storage rules are enforced.

Resupply towns are where you sleep indoors. Southern California has Warner Springs, Idyllwild, Big Bear and Tehachapi. The Sierra has Kennedy Meadows, Mammoth Lakes and South Lake Tahoe. Northern California and Oregon have Sierra City, Ashland, Crater Lake and Bend. Washington has Cascade Locks, Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and Stehekin, with Manning Park at the end.

Book town stays ahead in July and August, when trail traffic peaks. Hostels, motels and trail angels fill fast, and some small towns have limited beds.

The PCT crosses extreme wilderness. Plan for altitude sickness, dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite and Giardia. Give yourself a few days to adjust before pushing hard at altitude. Drink and eat steadily; dry mountain air hides fluid loss. Treat all stream water, by filter, chemicals or boiling, because of Giardia. Tap water in towns is fine.

Dress in non-cotton layers so sweat wicks away, and carry insulation for cold evenings. Tell someone your route and expected return. Navigation, a first-aid kit, sun protection and a way to call for help are basic kit, not extras.

Permits matter. A long-distance permit is required for trips over 800 km (500 mi) and is issued through the PCTA; the application window opens in the previous autumn and popular start dates go fast. Some national parks along the route, including Yosemite and Mount Rainier, have their own rules. Check current requirements before you commit to a start date.