The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) travels 2,650 mi (4,260 km) along the western mountain crests of the United States, from Mexico to Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington State. It is one of the original National Scenic Trails established by Congress under the 1968 National Trails System Act, and is administered by the US Forest Service in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, California State Parks, and the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), which together manage and protect the trail.

Understand

Map of the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail was proposed by Clinton C. Clarke as a route from Mexico to Canada along the mountain crests of California, Oregon, and Washington, linking the John Muir Trail, the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (both in California), the Skyline Trail (in Oregon), and the Cascade Crest Trail (in Washington).

Clarke founded the Pacific Crest Trail System Conference, together with the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, Ansel Adams, and others, to plan the trail and lobby the federal government for its protection. From 1935 to 1938, YMCA groups scouted 2,000 miles of potential route, laying out a course the modern PCT has closely followed ever since.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson designated the PCT and the Appalachian Trail under the National Trails System Act. The trail was then built through decades of cooperation between the federal government and volunteers organized by the PCTA, and was declared officially complete in 1993.

The PCT ranges in elevation from just above sea level at the Oregon-Washington border to 13,153 ft (4,009 m) at Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada, passing through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. Its midpoint falls near Chester, California, close to Mount Lassen, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges meet.

Completing the entire trail in one continuous trip — known as thru-hiking — is a major undertaking that typically takes four to six months and demands thorough preparation. Exact figures are hard to pin down, but roughly 180 of the 300 or so people who attempt a thru-hike each year are estimated to finish it.

The Ritter Range runs along the spine of the Ansel Adams Wilderness from Yosemite's Mount Lyell to the Minarets west of Mammoth.

Prepare

Rae Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Lack of preparation is one of the most common reasons hikers fail to finish the PCT. In the weeks and months beforehand, build up gradually: start with easy, low-weight day hikes, then increase distance and add multi-day trips carrying a full pack of food, water, and gear. Hilly terrain is especially useful for building the strength needed for long climbs and descents — a steadily harder training schedule helps prepare both body and mind for the trail.

Much of this advice is also covered in Wilderness backpacking. Buy equipment well ahead of time and use it on several trips before starting the PCT — this lets hikers get used to their gear, dial in their pack fit, break in boots or shoes, and catch anything broken, impractical, or unsuitable. Hikers vary widely in how much they carry, from ultralight setups built for speed to heavier, comfort-oriented kits; testing different gear on shorter hikes beforehand helps in finding the right balance of comfort, weight, and pace.

Many wilderness areas, national parks, and other special management areas along the PCT require overnight-use permits, so check local requirements before entering them. Anyone planning a trip of 500 miles or longer should contact the PCTA for a long-distance permit.

The PCTA recommends Ray Jardine's Beyond Backpacking as a useful planning resource. The book focuses on ultralight backpacking, with tips on modifying gear and choosing food that doesn't need cooking to cut pack weight.

The US Forest Service divides the trail into 10 map sections, available online through the National Forest Store.

According to the 2025 PCT hiker survey by Halfway Anywhere, thru-hikers spend an average of about $10,300 on the entire hike ($9,900 for domestic hikers, $11,200 for international hikers), or roughly $70 a day on trail — not counting gear, which adds another $1,700 on average before setting out. Budget separately for travel to and from the trail, plus a cushion for emergencies or unexpected costs.

Eat

Food and resupply planning matter for a successful thru-hike, but they don't need to be fully locked down before you start. Treat resupply as a flexible system rather than a fixed schedule: appetite, pace, weather, injuries, town plans, and gear needs all tend to shift once you're on trail, so it's enough to study the route and know the major resupply points without booking every stop in advance.

The same Halfway Anywhere survey found hikers sent an average of 8.3 resupply boxes. Very few sent none, so planning on at least a few mailed resupplies is reasonable — but more hikers wished they'd sent fewer boxes than wished they'd sent more, and most ended up mailing more boxes from the trail than they'd prepared beforehand. The practical approach: start with only the boxes you're confident you'll need, buy most food in trail towns, and mail extras from larger towns along the way as it becomes useful.

Store hours, selection, and package policies can change, so confirm details before mailing anything. The PCTA also has planning information on resupply and trail logistics.

The following locations are commonly used for mailed resupply packages, per the survey. Stehekin tops the list — it's a remote, roadless community with limited grocery options and the last convenient resupply before the northern terminus. A couple of these towns have essentially no local food, making a box close to necessary; the rest have some kind of store, so mailing a box there is a matter of preference, cost, or convenience rather than necessity. See each location's listing for addresses and details.

Essential mail drops

These locations are worth building a mailed box around, either because there's no real food for sale locally or because you need specific gear before a demanding stretch. Hikertown is a quirky roadside stop with no grocery or food service on site, making a box the only resupply option. Stehekin is reachable only by boat, floatplane, or trail, and its small bakery and store cater more to tourists than to a full resupply. Kennedy Meadows now has a decent selection between its general store and Triple Crown Outfitters, but it's still the standard place to mail yourself a bear canister and other Sierra-specific gear — ice axe, microspikes — before entering the High Sierra.

Optional mail drops

These towns all have some kind of store or restaurant, so a mailed box is optional. Sierra City, Mazama Village, Shelter Cove Resort, and White Pass have small, pricey stores with thin selection, so many hikers send a box anyway even though it isn't strictly necessary. Snoqualmie Pass has several grocery and restaurant options, making for an easy town resupply. Stevens Pass itself has limited food service, though nearby Skykomish and Leavenworth offer fuller options for those willing to hitch. Tuolumne Meadows has a seasonal store and grill with a workable selection, open only in summer.

Drink

Water is essential on the PCT. How much to carry depends on location, season, and the water sources along your route. Water can be scarce in the early desert sections, up until Kennedy Meadows — apps such as FarOut have up-to-date information on water caches. Filter and purify all water drawn from natural sources.

Sleep

There are few shelters along the trail, so carry a tent — this holds even for those hiking only a shorter section.

Climate

In a typical year, northbound hikes are the more practical choice, based on snow and temperature patterns. If Sierra Nevada snowpack is high in early June while the Northern Cascades are low, some hikers choose to flip-flop: starting at one end of the trail (usually the south) and, on reaching a problem area like the Sierra, jumping to the other end (Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada) to hike back southbound and complete the trail. Note that it is not legal to enter the United States from Canada via the PCT.

Fire permits are required in many areas, and fire closures may be in effect during especially dry periods; fires are prohibited above certain elevations or in some zones altogether.

Get in

There are many sections of the trail that can be hiked individually, but the PCT departs from the Mexican border near the small town of Campo, and ends at Monument 78 on the Canadian border. The first thing prospective thru hikers have to do before attempting a thru hike is to plan out and sketch out their trip. In general the decision of which route to take needs to be considered. While most hikers travel from the Southern Terminus at the Mexico Border northward to Manning Park, British Columbia, some hikers prefer a southbound route.

To reach the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail, start by flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN ^IATA), the closest major airport. Take a bus to Santa Fe Depot, then board a trolley heading south to El Cajon Transit Center. From there, transfer to a bus that will take you to the town of Campo, California. Campo is the nearest town to the southern terminus, but the actual starting point of the Pacific Crest Trail, located at Monument 78 on the U.S.-Mexico border, is about 1.5 miles south of the bus stop. You can either walk this final stretch or arrange for a ride with a shuttle service or a local trail angel.

If you prefer to drive, you can reach the terminus by heading to Campo and continuing to the border. However, parking near the terminus is limited, and leaving a vehicle for an extended period is not recommended. Some hikers also opt for private shuttles from San Diego, which can provide a direct and convenient way to reach the start of the trail.

Walk

CA Section A

 109.5 miles

Just north of the border fence at 1MISSING WIKILINK Campo (mi 0), the PCT begins its 2,650-mile run to Canada with a deceptively gentle stretch of chaparral and oak scrub. The calm doesn't last: within the first fifteen miles, hikers drop into Hauser Creek and climb back out under sun that can turn brutal even in the cooler months, a first taste of how thin water can be along this stretch. The trail eases past that early test on its way to 2 Lake Morena (mi 20), a county park that offers the first real chance to camp, refill, and take stock of what's working and what isn't.

From there the trail turns upward into the Lagunas, trading desert scrub for pine and oak forest as it gains elevation, a welcome change after two hot, exposed days. The climb tops out near 3 Mt Laguna (mi 42.8), a small mountain outpost about two miles off-route with a well-stocked outfitter, a diner, and a bed for hikers ready to sleep indoors before dropping back into the sun. North of the Lagunas, the trail follows a long ridge with sweeping views east into the desert far below, then descends to 4 Scissors Crossing (mi 77), the highway crossing hikers use to hitch into Julian for pie, showers, and a break from the dust.

Beyond Scissors Crossing the trail commits fully to the desert, winding through burned chaparral and dry canyons on a waterless stretch that can run past 20 miles depending on the season and the state of the caches. The landscape finally softens near Barrel Springs, oak-shaded grass and reliable water feeling like an oasis after the long dry crossing, and open meadows scattered with granite outcrops carry hikers the rest of the way. One of those outcrops, shaped unmistakably like a bird in flight, has earned the name Eagle Rock and signals that the end is close. The section closes at 5 Warner Springs (mi 109.5), whose hiker-friendly community center supplies showers, a hiker box, and a mailbox for resupply before Section B pushes north.

CA Section B

 100 miles

Leaving Warner Springs, the trail rolls through open grassland and oak woodland, a gentle stretch that gives little hint of what's coming. The climb begins in earnest near Highway 74, the Paradise Valley Café marking a convenient break and a jumping-off point for supplies in Anza or a stop at Lake Hemet before the real elevation gain starts. From here the terrain shifts dramatically, leaving the desert floor behind for pine forest and granite as the trail works its way up onto the shoulder of the San Jacintos.

The climb culminates at 6 Saddle Jct. (mi 179.4), and the Devils Slide Trail branches off here, dropping steeply into Idyllwild, a favorite resupply and recovery stop for hikers who've just spent days baking in the sun below. Past the junction, the PCT holds its elevation along an exposed, rocky traverse below Fuller Ridge, climbing above 9,000 feet in places, cold and often snow-covered even late in the season, before the character of the trail flips entirely: a long, relentless descent drops hikers back down through changing vegetation zones to the desert floor near San Gorgonio Pass. The heat returns fast on this side, and water becomes the defining concern again for the final miles. The section ends at 7 Interstate 10 (mi 209.5); the trail meets the freeway here, with road access to Cabazon and Banning and the promise of a shower and a cold drink after a section that runs from alpine cold to desert heat and back.

CA Section C

 132.5 miles

After crossing under Interstate 10, the PCT turns its back on the desert floor and starts climbing into the San Bernardinos, following Whitewater River and then Mission Creek up into increasingly forested terrain. San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, comes into view along the way, and a few exposed campsites near mile 223 offer 360-degree views worth timing for sunrise or sunset. The trail crosses 8 Hwy 18 (mi 266), the usual hitching point into Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City, a sprawling town with restaurants, shops, and everything a hiker might need to restock before pushing on.

North of Big Bear, the trail settles into long, shaded miles along Holcomb Creek before dropping into the sandstone gorge of Deep Creek, passing swimming holes and a popular hot spring before the canyon walls open back up into arid, rocky high desert. The trail skirts the Mojave River Forks Dam and traces the shoreline of Silverwood Lake, a welcome flash of blue after the dry stretch, then climbs briefly over Cleghorn Ridge before settling into a long series of chaparral-covered ups and downs toward the finish. The section ends at 9 Cajon Pass (mi 342); Interstate 15 crosses here, and a short walk to the interchange delivers hikers to the famously popular trailside McDonald's, a gas station mini-mart, and a motel for those ready to get off their feet before the long, dry climb toward Wrightwood.

CA Section D

 112.5 miles

From Cajon Pass, the trail turns uphill for good, gaining over 5,000 feet in a little over 25 miles as it climbs into the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest. Water is scarce here, and most hikers time their push around a couple of maintained caches on the way to Wrightwood, a small mountain town just off-route with restaurants, a grocery store, and a hardware shop that doubles as the local hub for trail angel information. Beyond town, the trail climbs steadily along the Angeles Crest Highway corridor toward its high point: Mount Baden-Powell, a 9,407-foot peak reached by 40 switchbacks and nearly 3,000 feet of gain, its summit guarded by the Wally Waldron Tree, a limber pine estimated at over 1,500 years old.

The ridge stays high and exposed for miles past Baden-Powell, rolling over Mount Hawkins and Throop Peak with sweeping views before dropping to cross Highway 2 repeatedly near Little Jimmy Campground. Farther on, the trail meets 10 Mill Creek Summit (mi 418.6), a small road crossing with space to rest, though it also marks the start of a long, dry push through old burn scar and up over Mount Gleason before the trail finally drops out of the high country. The descent carries hikers down through the brushy Sierra Pelona and past the sandstone formations of Vasquez Rocks on the way into 11 Agua Dulce (mi 454.5), a small trail town best known for Hiker Heaven, a longtime trail-angel property that has hosted hikers for camping, showers, laundry, and package pickup for over two decades.

CA Section E

 112 miles

Leaving Agua Dulce, the trail follows pavement and dirt road out of town before climbing into the Sierra Pelona, trading the flat valley floor for ridgelines with views back toward Bouquet Reservoir. Road crossings near Green Valley and Lake Hughes give hikers a chance to detour to trail-angel houses and small stores tucked into these hills, a last bit of shade and hospitality before the trail drops toward the Antelope Valley and the open Mojave beyond. What follows is the notorious L.A. Aqueduct stretch, a flat, shadeless slog of nearly 20 miles with the sun beating down and almost nowhere to hide from it.

At the far end of the aqueduct, the trail crosses Highway 138 near 12 Hikertown (mi 517.6), a cluster of small, Old West–themed cabins that has become one of the trail's most eccentric and memorable stops, offering camping, showers, and a shuttle to the Neenach Market for a burger and resupply. From here the aqueduct finally gives way to rolling desert hills, and the trail winds through canyon after canyon, dropping into 13 Tylerhorse Canyon (mi 541), a reliable, sheltered creek that feels like a small miracle after the exposure of the flats. From here the trail climbs on through wind-farm country, hundreds of turbines turning against the skyline as gusts push hard across the open ridges, and old burn scar gives way to slopes carpeted in wildflowers after wet years. The section closes at 14 Tehachapi Pass (mi 566.5); Highway 58 crosses here, carrying hikers into Tehachapi for resupply, hot food, and rest, or onward to Mojave for those looking to press ahead.

CA Section F

 85.5 miles

Out of Tehachapi Pass, the trail climbs hard right away, gaining 2,000 feet in the first five miles as it pushes into the Tehachapi Mountains. Wind turbines dominate the early miles, their hum a constant companion until the trail finally leaves the last of the wind farms behind and settles into a quieter rhythm of high desert ridgeline. The route stays dry and exposed for long stretches, with water sources spaced far enough apart that most hikers plan their days around them: 15 Golden Oaks Spring (mi 583.3) makes a natural first night's camp, cattle sometimes grazing nearby, and the trail continues on through Piute Mountain's high ridges to 16 Landers Camp (mi 608.9), an established site with running water and an outhouse that feels like real luxury this deep into the desert.

Beyond Landers, the trail eases through pine and granite country before dropping again toward 17 Willow Spring (mi 620), tucked in a small canyon that's easy to miss without a detour off the main tread. From there the trail rolls across high desert hills bordering the Bright Star and Kiavah Wilderness areas, a stretch of trail that keeps unfolding in endless ridgelines just when the desert starts to feel repetitive. Nearing its end, the route brushes the edge of the Owens Peak Wilderness, its rugged, undeveloped terrain rising to the north, before dropping to 18 Walker Pass (mi 652). Highway 178 crosses here, connecting hikers to Onyx, Kernville, Ridgecrest, and Lake Isabella for resupply and rest before the climb into the true Sierra begins.

CA Section G

 115 miles

Mount Whitney

Past Walker Pass, the desert's grip finally starts to loosen as the trail climbs through the Owens Peak, Chimney Peak, and Domeland wilderness areas on its way up to the Kern Plateau. It rolls into 19 Kennedy Meadows (mi 702), the traditional gateway to the High Sierra; here hikers trade in desert gear for bear canisters and steel themselves for the climbing that lies ahead. North of town the trail follows the South Fork Kern River through Monache Meadows, the largest meadow anywhere in the Sierra, then continues into the South Sierra and Golden Trout wilderness areas, foxtail pines and granite outcrops steadily crowding out the last of the low desert scrub.

Farther along, 20 Trail Pass (mi 745.3) opens an exit route toward Horseshoe Meadows and the town of Lone Pine, a handy bailout for hikers who need to resupply early. The trail carries on past Cottonwood Pass and into the edge of Sequoia National Park, finally closing out the section at 21 Crabtree Meadows (mi 767). It's here that the PCT meets the side trail climbing Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 and a near-obligatory detour for thru-hikers before the trail pushes on north into the heart of the Sierra.

CA Section H

 175.5 miles

Yosemite National Park, California

North of Crabtree Meadows the PCT joins the John Muir Trail for most of its length, climbing almost immediately to 22 Forester Pass (mi 779.5), the highest point on the entire PCT at 13,153 ft (4,009 m), and dropping into Kings Canyon National Park on the far side. Not far below, 23 Kearsarge Pass Trail (mi 788.9) branches east over its namesake pass, a well-worn detour for hikers heading down to Independence or Bishop to restock. From here the trail settles into a rhythm defined by granite passes and high alpine basins, threading through the Rae Lakes basin, over Glen and Pinchot Passes, and on through the John Muir Wilderness toward Mather Pass and the glacial cirques of Evolution Basin.

Muir Pass marks roughly the halfway point, its stone hut perched alone among the rock a welcome landmark on long climbing days. The trail descends from there past 24 Muir Trail Ranch (mi 857.7), little more than a resupply drop and hiker box for most through-hikers, and the 25 VVR Ferry Trail (mi 878.7), a side route to Vermilion Valley Resort's showers, hot food, and famously easy tab. Beyond Silver Pass the trail eventually reaches 26 Reds Meadow (mi 906.7), a shuttle ride from Mammoth Lakes and a popular first taste of civilization after days among the peaks. The final stretch climbs past Devils Postpile and over Donohue Pass into Yosemite National Park, closing at 27 Hwy 120 (mi 942.5) near Tuolumne Meadows.

CA Section I

 74.4 miles

Leaving Tuolumne Meadows behind, the trail climbs past Glen Aulin and Tuolumne Falls before slipping into the remote northern reaches of Yosemite's high country, threading through granite basins and past a string of alpine lakes on its way toward Benson Pass. At Dorothy Lake Pass the trail finally exits the park, and the landscape shifts almost overnight—solid granite gives way to fractured volcanic rock and jagged, cliff-banded peaks as the route enters Emigrant Wilderness.

Past Kennedy Canyon the trail breaks above treeline entirely, climbing out onto ashen talus slopes for a high, exposed traverse near Leavitt Peak, where snow often lingers on the north-facing stretches well into summer. From there the final miles descend steadily to 28 Sonora Pass (mi 1016.9); Highway 108 crosses here, offering hikers a hitch toward Bridgeport or Kennedy Meadows North for rest and resupply before the trail pushes on toward Lake Tahoe.

CA Section J

 75.4 miles

North of Sonora Pass, the trail climbs toward Sonora Peak before dropping into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, a stretch of lush forest and wildflower meadows that feels far gentler than the volcanic scramble just south of it. Highway crossings come often through this section, giving hikers easy detours to Markleeville near Ebbetts Pass and to the ski town of Kirkwood near Highway 88, and the trail dips repeatedly into and out of the Mokelumne Wilderness as it works its way north past Raymond Peak and the Blue Lakes area.

The route eventually joins the Tahoe Rim Trail near Echo Summit, the two trails sharing tread for the final stretch into this section's close. The trail ends at 29 Echo Lake (mi 1092.3), a small resort community that serves as a common jumping-off point for South Lake Tahoe and the resupply options waiting there.

CA Section K

 64.8 miles

From Echo Lake, the trail climbs quickly into the Desolation Wilderness, granite domes and bare ridgeline replacing tree cover almost immediately as the route passes near Lake Aloha, Heather Lake, and Susie Lake on its way toward Dick's Peak. North of the wilderness boundary, the trail eases past Richardson Lake and climbs again onto ridges above Alpine Meadows, tracing high alpine terrain with sweeping views back toward Lake Tahoe before dropping into the Granite Chief Wilderness near Squaw Valley.

The final miles wind through glacier-carved valleys and pine forest along the Tahoe Rim Trail, which shares tread with the PCT for much of this stretch. The section ends at 30 Donner Summit (mi 1157.1), with the interstate offering hikers a hitch into Truckee, Olympic Valley, or other north Tahoe towns for rest and resupply.

CA Section L

 38.3 miles

From Donner Summit, the shortest section on the entire PCT sets off through gentle terrain around Castle Peak and Mount Lola, high points of the northern Sierra framed by wildflower meadows and easy switchbacks rather than the sustained climbs found elsewhere. Along the way the trail passes near the Peter Grubb Hut, a small backcountry shelter tucked below the ridge that makes a popular first-night stop for hikers heading north from the pass.

Beyond Mount Lola the trail begins descending into granite canyons, the terrain gradually shifting from open ridgeline to volcanic rock and pine forest as it skirts the eastern edge of Jackson Meadows Reservoir and crosses Henness Pass Road. Fields of mule ears cover long stretches of hillside here, their pungent, sagebrush-like scent following hikers for miles, and a dry stretch of several miles between Lacey Creek and Mule Ears Creek is worth planning water around. The trail loses elevation steadily through tall pines on its final approach to the North Yuba River, crossing near Wild Plum Campground before reaching 31 Hwy 49 (mi 1195.4), a short walk from Sierra City: a small mountain town at the foot of the dramatic Sierra Buttes, its general store famous among thru-hikers as the porch where Cheryl Strayed rested during the hike chronicled in Wild, and still a favorite spot to unpack a resupply box, get a cold drink, and rest before the trail climbs on toward Belden.

CA Section M

 91.5 miles

North of Highway 49, the trail climbs into the Sierra Buttes country, a landscape scattered with glaciated lake basins and granite outcrops that draws day hikers up to the old fire lookout for views stretching across the Lakes Basin. From there the trail settles into the Plumas National Forest, alternating between timbered ridges and roadless stretches as it dips down to cross the Middle Fork Feather River, a favorite spot for hikers to cool off beneath the footbridge before climbing back into forest.

The trail continues through the Bucks Lake Wilderness, Spanish Peak rising to the east with views toward distant Lassen on clear days, before dropping steadily through lower-elevation drainages scarred in places by old wildfire. The descent finally levels out at the North Fork Feather River, and the trail meets 32 Belden (mi 1286.9): the highway and river crossing here has long served hikers as a resupply and rest stop, its small resort and lodge a welcome break before the climb into Lassen country begins.

CA Section N

 132.2 miles

Out of Belden, the trail wastes no time launching into one of its most punishing climbs, over 6,000 feet of nearly unbroken elevation gain that makes clear the terrain has shifted into something distinctly Northern Californian. The forest folds back in around the trail as it rolls past 33 PCT Mid-way Post (mi 1323.2), a modest little marker that carries outsized weight for anyone who's walked all the way from Mexico to reach it. Not far beyond, the trail meets 34 Hwy 36 (mi 1328.8), a familiar hitching point into Chester (California) for a hot meal and a resupply.

Past Chester the trail enters Lassen Volcanic National Park, passing the steaming fumarole at Terminal Geyser and skirting the volcanic slopes of Lassen Peak on its way to 35 Drakesbad Guest Ranch (mi 1350.1), a small, historic lodge tucked into Warner Valley, dangling the rare temptation of a hot meal and a real bed for anyone willing to make the short detour. North of the park, the trail arrives at 36 Old Station Post Office (mi 1373.4), a tiny outpost near the volcanic Subway Cave lava tubes, before climbing onto the notoriously dry Hat Creek Rim. This nearly 30-mile crossing of an old fault escarpment delivers sweeping views of Lassen Peak, Burney Mountain, and a distant Mount Shasta, but gives back almost nothing in the way of water. The rim finally relents at 37 Hwy 299 (mi 1411.3), a solid hitching point into Burney, and the section wraps up a few miles later at 38 McArthur-Burney Falls State Park (mi 1419); a spring-fed, 129-foot waterfall here marks a scenic and well-earned close to the NorCal volcanic stretch.

CA Section O

 82.2 miles

Leaving McArthur-Burney Falls, the trail settles into misty, forested terrain within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, rolling over Girard Ridge and staying largely in tree cover for long stretches. A big wooden bridge over the McCloud River marks the start of another sustained climb, roughly 10 miles of steady elevation gain that eventually levels out as the trail works its way toward the granite spires of Castle Crags.

The final miles descend through Castle Crags Wilderness and into Castle Crags State Park itself, the steep, pale granite peaks towering overhead and Mount Shasta occasionally visible to the north on clear stretches. The trail passes near park headquarters before dropping out of the park and back into national forest for the last push to 39 Interstate 5 (mi 1501.2). The interstate crossing here puts hikers within easy reach of Castella just down the road, Dunsmuir a short way north, or Mount Shasta town a bit farther on, all offering rest and resupply before the trail climbs back into wilderness.

CA Section P

 98.5 miles

Climbing out from Interstate 5, the trail loops back through Castle Crags State Park before settling into the long rhythm of ridge and drainage that defines much of Section P. Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy keep watch over the miles as the trail works its way north through the Deadfall Basin toward the Trinity Alps, slipping into the wilderness near Scott Mountain and tracing its northeastern corner past a string of alpine lakes and over the summit of Eagle Peak—a quieter, less-trafficked corner of a range often likened to the High Sierra.

The trail slips back out of the Trinity Alps at Carter Meadows Summit, another easy bailout point with a campground close at hand, before climbing once more into the Russian Wilderness, a small but rugged fold of the Klamath Mountains prized for its unusual density of conifer species. The final miles wind down through forest to 40 Etna Summit (mi 1599.7); from here, the pavement of Sawyers Bar Road drops down into the Scott Valley and Etna (California), a small town beloved among hikers for its warm welcome, its PCT-focused outfitter, and a cold beer waiting at the end of a long stretch of trail.

CA Section Q

 56.2 miles

Beyond Etna Summit, the trail climbs gradually into the Marble Mountains, a range named for the striated, multicolored rock crowning its highest peaks. Alpine meadows and a scatter of lake basins, Shelby Lake, Marten Lake, and the oddly named Man Eaten Lake among them, break up a long ridge traverse through the Russian and Marble Mountain Wildernesses, and craggy summits offer views across some of the most remote, lightly traveled country on the entire PCT.

The trail eventually drops out of the high country and follows Grider Creek down through a long stretch of forest, crossing the creek several times on bridges as the water finally becomes plentiful again. A short road walk through Grider Creek Campground leads the final miles into 41 Seiad Valley (mi 1655.9), a tiny hiker hangout tucked along Highway 96 with a small store, cafe, post office, and lodging, a good place to rest before the notoriously steep climb that follows out of town.

CA Section R - OR Section A

 63 miles

Out of Seiad Valley, the trail launches into one of the steepest, most punishing climbs on the entire PCT, gaining thousands of feet almost immediately as it leaves the Klamath River behind and pushes up onto the Siskiyou crest. The ridge that follows stays high and increasingly remote, forest thinning into rockier, sparser terrain as the trail passes near Observation Peak and Sheep Camp Spring on its way toward the 42 California/Oregon Border (mi 1691.7), a quiet, often unceremonious milestone marking the trail's second state and, among thru-hikers, the point where the legal use of recreational marijuana becomes one more small perk of the border crossing.

The ridgeline continues past a side trail up 7,147-foot Siskiyou Peak and along the open meadows of Grouse Gap, Mount Ashland rising ahead before the trail finally turns downhill for good, descending through increasingly forested terrain toward the valley below. The final few miles ease past Mt. Ashland Ski Road and drop to 43 Interstate 5 (mi 1718.9), a short walk from Callahan's Lodge, a longtime hiker favorite known for its hospitality, hot showers, and resupply service, and the usual jumping-off point for a trip into Ashland (Oregon) to rest up before Oregon's long, comparatively gentler stretch begins.

OR Section B

 54.5 miles

Pulling away from the Interstate 5 corridor near Siskiyou Summit, the trail climbs into the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a mosaic of fir forest, oak groves, and open grassland preserved for its unusual biodiversity. Early in this stretch, Pilot Rock rises just off the main route—a volcanic plug left standing after the volcano that once surrounded it eroded away—and a short, scrambling side trail leads hikers up its chute to sweeping views across the monument's rolling terrain. From there the trail passes Hobart Bluff, whose viewpoint reaches all the way to snow-capped Mount Shasta on a clear day, then continues on to Soda Mountain before crossing Highway 66 at Green Springs Summit.

The route dips back into the monument briefly to trace the shore of Hyatt Lake, a popular reservoir with distant Mount McLoughlin framing the view, before climbing into the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and settling into a long run of mixed conifer and volcanic ridgeline. Near Brown Mountain, a broad, forested cinder cone, ancient lava fields spread out on all sides, and a small trail shelter here makes a natural stop for hikers timing their final push north. The trail then skirts the mountain's base with Mount McLoughlin still visible off in the distance, water sources thinning out but generally dependable, all the way to 44 Hwy 140 (mi 1773.4); the highway here offers an easy hitch to Fish Lake Resort for a hot meal, a shower, and a waiting resupply box before the trail turns north again into the Sky Lakes country.

OR Section C

 74.4 miles

Past Fish Lake, the trail begins a steady climb into the Sky Lakes Wilderness, a long, narrow band of subalpine lakes and hushed meadows strung along the Cascade crest. It's one of southern Oregon's most cherished stretches of backcountry, though anyone passing through from late June to early September pays a toll in mosquitoes for the privilege. Mount McLoughlin looms over the miles here, a steep-sided volcano commanding the skyline from within the wilderness boundary, while side trails peel away toward Fourmile Lake, Cliff Lake, and the Devils Peak ridgeline, each one dangling the promise of a lake basin just out of sight of the main tread.

The trail slips out of the wilderness at the edge of Crater Lake National Park, though it keeps its distance from the caldera's rim, threading instead through volcanic forest to the west. At 45 Hwy 62 (mi 1820.9), hikers can duck into Mazama Village, where a small store and campground offer an easy chance to resupply, and those with a little extra time and energy can detour up to the rim itself for a look down into Crater Lake's famously vivid blue water. North of the park, the trail carries on through the Rogue River and Winema national forests, crossing a punishing near-30-mile dry stretch before finally dropping to 46 Cascade Crest (mi 1847.8), close by Highway 138. Here the volcanic plateau falls away behind, and the trail turns toward the lake-dotted forests waiting to the north.

OR Section D

 60.1 miles

Climbing away from the Cascade Crest area, the trail rises at the foot of Mount Thielsen, a jagged, needle-like spire so distinctive that hikers have nicknamed it the Lightning Rod of the Cascades, and pushes into the Umpqua National Forest. The route skirts a wide scree field along Thielsen's flank before dropping to Thielsen Creek, often the only reliable water for miles in either direction, then climbs again toward an unmarked saddle between Howlock Mountain and Tipsoo Peak. At 7,560 feet, this quiet, easily-missed spot holds a notable distinction: it's the highest point the PCT reaches anywhere in Oregon or Washington.

Past the high point, the trail loses elevation through forest and a scatter of small lakes on its way to Summit Lake, a scenic if mosquito-plagued spot with decent camping along its south shore. From there it rolls onward to Emigrant Pass and into the Diamond Peak Wilderness, tracing the east side of Diamond Peak with distant glimpses of Odell and Crescent Lakes opening up along the way. Most hikers eventually abandon the PCT's official route here, peeling off onto a sandy, forested shortcut that beelines toward the finish rather than following the trail's slightly longer loop around the mountain. The section wraps up near 47 Shelter Cove Resort (mi 1906.6) and 48 Willamette Pass (mi 1907.9); Highway 58 crosses here, offering hikers a hitch into Shelter Cove for a resupply box, a hot meal, and a break on the shore of Odell Lake before the trail presses on north.

OR Section E

 75.9 miles

Heading north from Willamette Pass, the trail brushes past Waldo Lake on its way into the Three Sisters Wilderness—a stretch many consider the crown jewel of Oregon's PCT. Alpine lakes arrive in quick succession here, one after another: S Lake, Mac Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and the well-named Dumbbell Lake, part of a long necklace of small basins strung through the wilderness. The trail threads through the tightly regulated Obsidian Limited Entry Area before the climbing turns brutal—punishing, lava-strewn switchbacks hauling hikers up to Opie Dilldock Pass, where North Sister finally reveals itself in full.

From the pass, the trail drops back down through another stark lava field skirting Yapoah Crater to reach South Matthieu Lake, then keeps heading north through the Willamette and Deschutes national forests, the scenery never settling into one mood for long—dense timber gives way to open meadow, which gives way to raw volcanic rock, and back again. Tread grows thin and dusty through stands of scattered pine as Belknap Crater and Mount Washington rise ahead, the ground turning rockier and more exposed the closer the trail gets to 49 McKenzie Pass (mi 1983.8). Here, Highway 242 cuts across a striking, family-friendly expanse of lava near the Dee Wright Observatory, and the pass opens up seasonal road access toward Sisters and Bend. Hikers pushing onward don't have far to go before finding water and a warm welcome at Big Lake Youth Camp, just before the trail slips into the Mount Washington Wilderness.

OR Section F

 107.9 miles

From McKenzie Pass, the trail pushes through a solid lava flow past the Little Belknap spur before dropping to the foot of Mount Washington through a mix of burned forest and rock, then climbs back up the mountain's western slope into a stretch of untouched, welcome shade. The route continues on to 50 Big Lake Youth Camp (mi 1995.1), a camp that caters to hikers with showers, laundry, meals, and a dedicated shelter for unpacking resupply boxes and resting, and a short walk later crosses 51 Santiam Pass (mi 2000.9), with Highway 20 giving hikers a hitch toward Sisters or Bend.

North of Santiam Pass the trail passes below Three Fingered Jack and climbs into the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, threading past Jefferson Park's wildflower-strewn meadows in the mountain's shadow and skirting the edge of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation as it continues north. The trail crosses through country charred in the 2020 Lionshead Fire on the approach to 52 Olallie Lake Resort (mi 2045.6), a small, rustic lodge that sells food and lets hikers charge their electronics while staring back at snow-covered Mount Jefferson across the water. From there the trail settles into long, easy miles of evergreen forest, passing near Little Crater Lake's startlingly blue, spring-fed pool and crossing Highway 26 near Wapinitia Pass before climbing the final stretch to 53 Barlow Pass (mi 2091.7), near Highway 35, with Mount Hood now looming directly ahead for the approach to Timberline Lodge.

OR Section G

 55.2 miles

Mount Hood, Oregon

Leaving Barlow Pass, the trail climbs relentlessly up Mount Hood's southern flank, conifers giving way to bald, wildflower-strewn slopes that reveal the mountain's full scale as denuded canyons and ridgelines converge overhead. A short detour off the main tread near the ski resort leads down to 54 Timberline Lodge (Mt Hood) (mi 2097), a historic stone lodge with lodging, a famous breakfast buffet, and mail services for hikers picking up a resupply box before continuing on.

Beyond the lodge, the trail crosses the Zigzag and Sandy Rivers, both prone to running high with snowmelt, and passes near Ramona Falls before climbing over a forested ridge to Lolo Pass, a narrow paved crossing with little more than a trailhead and picnic table. North of the pass, the trail follows Waucoma Ridge with sweeping views back toward Mount Hood, then drops into a long descent through the Columbia River Gorge, often via the dramatic Eagle Creek Trail alternate, a route blasted into the gorge wall and threaded with waterfalls, cables bolted into the rock for safety at the more exposed spots. The trail levels out near the Columbia River at 55 Cascade Locks (Bridge of the Gods) (mi 2146.9), the lowest-elevation point on the entire PCT and the crossing into Washington, a small town along the river well known among hikers for marking the end of Oregon's long, comparatively gentle stretch.

WA Section H

 148 miles

After crossing the Bridge of the Gods, the trail begins a long climb out of the Columbia River Gorge, winding through second- and third-growth forest, old clear cuts, and a network of forest roads for its first fifty or so miles. The terrain gradually turns wilder as the trail settles into the Indian Heaven Wilderness, a landscape of craggy peaks and subalpine ponds thick with mosquitoes, and famous among berry pickers and hikers alike for its huckleberry fields, some growing near what's traditionally called the Indian Race Track, historically used by tribes for gathering and horse racing. Deer Lake makes the last reliable water for a long stretch, and the trail continues past Bird and Sawtooth Mountains before crossing 56 Forest Rd 23 (mi 2228.9), the usual pickup point for trail angels running hikers into Trout Lake for a restaurant, lodging, and a grocery store that takes resupply packages.

North of the Trout Lake access, the trail settles into an easy, undulating path along the western flank of Mount Adams, a 12,276-foot volcano whose gentle side trail winds through dappled forest and wildflower clearings past silty streams and waterfalls before the terrain flattens into a long, dusty descent. The trail crosses a Forest Service road and skirts the edge of the Yakama Indian Reservation on an old jeep track before climbing into 57 Goat Rocks (mi 2277), widely considered one of the most stunning stretches on the entire PCT: a traverse across the remnants of Packwood Glacier and the narrow, exposed Knife's Edge ridge, with drops of 2,000 feet on either side and views stretching toward Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. The section ends at 58 White Pass (mi 2294.9), on Highway 12 near Packwood, its small store holding hiker mail and a nearby ski lodge sometimes taking in thru-hikers for a night before the trail continues north.

WA Section I

 98.3 miles

Mount Rainier, Washington State

Leaving White Pass behind, the trail eases into a gentler world—rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and lake after lake scattered through the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Hikers stay close to the crest here, and it isn't long before Mount Rainier makes its entrance, rising into view and, for many miles, refusing to leave. Sometimes it's a dozen miles off, sometimes it feels closer, but it becomes a fixture on the horizon, watching over the trail as it passes Dewey Lake and a chain of smaller basins tucked along the way. Skirting the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park, the path climbs out of the trees entirely, onto exposed, rocky ridgelines near Crown Point and Bullion Basin—open, lonely country, but one that rewards the exposure with huckleberries and blueberries growing thick underfoot.

At 59 Chinook Pass (mi 2323.5), the trail spills out onto Highway 410, a favorite stop for day-tripping tourists, where a bridge carries hikers over the road and back for a last look at Naches Peak. From here the trail turns north into the Norse Peak Wilderness, riding high ridgelines with long views stretching east toward the drier side of Washington, before dropping back down into old, shadowed forest. Once the wilderness falls away behind, the landscape changes almost without warning—the wild ridges give way to a patchwork of clear cuts, logging roads, and second-growth timber that carries the trail the rest of the way to 60 Snoqualmie Pass (mi 2393.2). Here, Interstate 90 delivers hikers straight into civilization—restaurants, beds, and transit all within easy reach—before the trail turns and climbs back into the wilderness waiting on the other side.

WA Section J

 70.9 miles

Leaving Snoqualmie Pass, the trail climbs almost 2,500 feet through old-growth forest and talus fields to Kendall Katwalk, a narrow granite ledge blasted directly into the cliff face of Kendall Peak, its exposed path delivering sweeping views into the Gold Creek drainage and across the jagged peaks of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Past the Katwalk the route rolls through a string of alpine lakes, Ridge and Gravel among the first, marmots and pikas often visible on the surrounding talus, before beginning a long, steep descent to the Waptus River.

The trail climbs again past Waptus Lake and on through Deer and Deep Lakes, gaining and losing thousands of feet at a stretch as it threads deeper into a wilderness with no towns or road crossings for its entire length, forcing hikers to carry every bit of food from the start. Cathedral Pass and a scatter of smaller basins carry the trail north through terrain that alternates between dense forest and high, open ridgeline, until it finally drops through a series of small lakes and switchbacks down through a ski resort to 61 Stevens Pass (mi 2464.1), a base-area crossing with a large parking lot and a place to eat, and the usual jumping-off point for hikers heading into Skykomish or Leavenworth for a proper resupply.

WA Section K

 127 miles

North of Stevens Pass, the trail wastes little time before climbing into the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, switchbacking up past Lake Valhalla and over Grizzly Peak before dropping to Lake Janus and rolling on through meadows toward Kodak Peak and Lake Sally Ann. This is widely considered the toughest stretch of the entire PCT in Washington—rivaled in difficulty only by California's High Sierra—and the trail proves it almost immediately, trading long climbs for equally long descents across one deep, glacier-carved valley after another.

Beyond Indian Pass the trail enters the Glacier Peak Wilderness proper, circling the flanks of Glacier Peak itself through a landscape of jagged ridgelines, alpine meadows, and rushing creeks, with Red Pass offering one of the finest views of the volcano along the way. The Suiattle River, once crossed near Miners Creek on a bridge long since washed out, is now met a few miles downstream on a newer crossing. From there the trail pushes north into the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and reaches 62 High Bridge (mi 2571.9); a shuttle from here carries hikers into Stehekin, the only resupply option along this entire remote stretch. The section closes at 63 Rainy Pass (mi 2591.1) on Highway 20, with road access leading east toward Mazama and Winthrop.

WA Section L

 61.5 miles

Mount Ballard, Washington State

From Rainy Pass, the trail climbs the Porcupine Creek valley to Cutthroat Pass and settles into miles of open, above-treeline ridgeline through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, passing Granite Pass and a boot path up to the Snowy Lakes under the jagged spire of Golden Horn. The trail dips to a low point at Brush Creek before climbing back out toward Harts Pass, the last reliable vehicle access on this stretch and a common exit point for hikers unwilling to add the extra miles required to reach the true terminus and return.

North of Harts Pass, the trail swings around Tatie Peak and Cone Mountain and settles into the Pasayten Wilderness near Windy Pass, remote alpine ridges rolling on in every direction with grand, seemingly endless views. The trail continues past Woody Pass and the steep switchbacks of Devils Stairway, skirting Hopkins Lake before reaching Castle Pass and the final stretch to 64 Monument 78 (mi 2652.6), a small metal obelisk marking the Canadian border and the northern terminus of the PCT. As of 2025, hikers may not cross into Canada on the PCT; northbound hikers who reach the monument must return to a legal U.S. exit route, commonly via Harts Pass, some 30 miles back south.

Stay safe

The trail traverses through some of the most extreme wilderness in the continental USA. Trail users should be prepared for any emergency and accordingly plan ahead. It is best to be familiar with outdoor travel by reading about the area you may be traveling in and learn about potential hazards. Basic understanding of how to prevent hypothermia and heat exhaustion or how to avoid and treat poisonous plants and animals among other potentially life threatening situations can help to ensure that your time on the PCT will be rewarding. Always letting others know where you are going and when you plan to return is a basic premise when traveling in remote areas.

There's no reason to fear the mountains, as long as you approach them with proper respect and preparation. As with anywhere else, recklessness and a lack of forethought can get you into trouble, especially in areas with vast and remote back country.

• Altitude sickness - Can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, even blackouts and pulmonary edema. Give your body a few days to adjust to the high altitudes before going full throttle with your hiking.
• Dehydration - When you engage in strenuous outdoor activities, be sure to replenish your fluids as you go. You may be losing moisture through your mouth and nose and through sweating, but be completely unaware due to the arid mountain air. May result in dizziness, intense thirst and elevated heart and breath rates.
• Giardia - Drinking untreated water from regional streams is not a good idea owing to Giardia parasites, but tap water is not a problem.
• Hypothermia - Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in confusion, a slowed heart rate, lethargy, even death. Dress warmly in non cotton clothing to allow any sweat to wick away from your body and evaporate. Otherwise, it may thoroughly chill you later in the day when temperatures drop.
• Frostbite - During periods of severe cold, your circulatory system pulls all your warming blood into the core of your body to protect your vital organs. This makes your extremities such as your ears, fingers and nose especially vulnerable. Wear a face mask, insulated gloves and other heavy gear on the worst winter days.
• Sunburn - Lather up with sunscreen, even if there's cloud cover. The high mountain elevations means you have less protection to the sun's powerful ultraviolet rays. The rays are reflected off the snow and hits the underside of your jaw. Don't forget to wear UV-rated goggles or sunglasses, as well.
• Know your 10 essentials when going on a hike, because cell phones won't always work in many rural areas, and may not be depended on in an emergency situation.

1. Navigation
2. Hydration & Nutrition
3. Pocket Knife
4. Sun Protection
5. Insulation
6. Fire
7. Lighting
8. First Aid
9. Shelter
10. Whistle

There is significant illegal border crossing activity near Campo, California and throughout the first 30 or so miles on the PCT. You should avoid camping near the border, especially if you are traveling alone. In the southern segments especially there is a possibility of encounters with undocumented aliens and drug runners. While the US Border Patrol is familiar with the Trail route and water cache locations, Trail users should be prepared to provide identification.

• Do not leave vehicles at the Mexican border.
• Lock your vehicle, storing valuables and water out of sight.
• For safety reasons especially, please sign in and out at trailhead registers.

Go next

• Pacific Northwest Trail - The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from the Continental Divide in Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Washington, passing through Glacier National Park, the Rocky Mountains, the North Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. It intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) near Baker Lake in Washington’s North Cascades, allowing hikers to connect between the two iconic long-distance trails.