Pacific Crest Trail

Overview

The Pacific Crest Trail is an iconic 2,650-mile wilderness corridor stretching from the Mexican border to Canada, traversing California, Oregon, and Washington. This National Scenic Trail showcases the spectacular diversity of the western United States—from the scorching Mojave and Colorado Deserts through the glaciated Sierra Nevada to the volcanic Cascades and the rain-soaked North Cascades. The trail demands physical endurance, mental resilience, and wilderness competency, climbing over 57 major mountain passes and crossing elevations from 180 feet at the Columbia River to over 13,000 feet at Forester Pass.

The PCT suits experienced backpackers seeking an epic wilderness journey. Most thru-hikers take 4-6 months (averaging 148-162 days) to complete the trail, though section hiking is increasingly popular. With 620 campsites and managed water sources every 10-30 miles, the trail infrastructure supports long-distance travel while preserving wilderness character. Expect profound solitude, weather extremes, wildlife encounters, and the logistical complexity of managing resupply, permits, and seasonal hazards across three states.

Permits & Regulations

The Pacific Crest Trail Association issues a free Long-distance Permit for trips of 500+ miles in a single, continuous journey. This permit is required and allows camping within the designated PCT corridor (typically 1/2 mile on either side) through most of the trail, consolidating requirements across multiple wilderness areas, national forests, and national parks.

Permit quotas are strictly enforced: Only 50 permits per day are issued for northbound starts from the Southern Terminus during peak season (March-June). Southbound permits are limited to 15 per day, available only June 15-July 31 from the Canadian border area. Applications open in November for the following year—apply early as permits fill quickly. You must start on your designated start date and location.

Additional requirements include: A free California Campfire Permit (valid for the calendar year, covers stoves and fires on all CA federal lands—Oregon and Washington don't require fire permits). Bear canisters are mandatory for 452 miles from Kennedy Meadows South (mile 702) to Truckee (mile 1154), covering the entire Sierra Nevada including Yosemite, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, Desolation Wilderness, and other designated areas. Hard-sided canisters are required; Ursacks are prohibited in most zones.

Important restrictions: Group size limits vary by wilderness area (typically 8-15 people). In Oregon, PCT long-distance permit holders must camp within the designated PCT corridor and cannot camp at specific restricted zones including Obsidian, South and North Matthieu Lakes, Coyote and Shale Lakes, and Jefferson Park. In North Cascades National Park (High Bridge to Rainy Pass), a separate camping permit is required—this is the only PCT section in Washington requiring overnight permits.

Apply for long-distance permits at: https://permit.pcta.org

Best Season

Northbound (NOBO): Start between mid-April and mid-May. Late April or early May is optimal, allowing you to avoid the worst desert heat while staying ahead of Sierra snowmelt dangers. The typical NOBO season runs April through September, finishing at the Canadian border by mid-September before snow closes northern Washington. Starting too early (mid-March) means potentially hazardous snow in the Sierra; starting too late (after mid-May) risks extreme desert heat in June and insufficient time before northern snows.

Southbound (SOBO): Start late June to early July from the northern terminus area. The southbound window is tighter—you need northern Washington to be snow-free (typically early July) but must reach Kennedy Meadows and exit the high Sierra before October 1st when significant snowstorms typically begin. SOBOs face a compressed timeline and must maintain higher daily mileage.

Shoulder seasons: Snow coverage in the Sierra is the critical variable. In high snow years (like 2017 and 2023), the Sierra remains dangerous into July with swollen creeks and avalanche risk. Monitor snowpack throughout winter—166% of normal snowpack can delay safe Sierra entry by weeks. Conversely, low snow years open the Sierra earlier but create water source reliability issues in Northern California by August.

Oregon timing: July brings peak mosquitoes; September offers the best conditions with minimal bugs, pleasant temperatures, and stable weather. Washington's North Cascades are wettest along the PCT route, with storms possible any month. Late August through mid-September is optimal.

Wildfire season: July through October brings increasingly predictable wildfire closures. Since 2018, nearly 1,700 miles have temporarily closed, with 26 fires burning along the trail in 2024 alone. Check closures.pcta.org daily during fire season.

Water & Resupply

Southern California (miles 0-700): This is the trail's most water-stressed section. Natural sources are often 20-30 miles apart, and seasonal streams dry completely by May-June. Always carry the latest PCT Water Report (pctwater.com). Plan to carry 4-6 liters between sources—some hikers carry up to 6 liters for the longest dry stretches. Water caches (bottles left by trail angels) should never be relied upon. Hike early (starting by 6am) and employ the "10-by-10" strategy (10 miles by 10am) to avoid brutal midday heat. "Camel up" at sources—drink until urinating clear before moving on, carrying water inside you rather than on your back.

Sierra Nevada (miles 702-1154): Water is abundant from snowmelt streams, but early season (May-June) turns creeks into raging torrents. River crossings during peak snowmelt are statistically the deadliest hazard on the trail—two hikers drowned in 2017. Cross early morning when flows are lowest (afternoon sun intensifies melt). Hat Creek Rim in Northern California is a notorious 30-mile dry stretch even in this generally water-rich region.

Oregon (miles 1720-2176): Alternates between water abundance and long dry sections. Crater Lake northbound requires carrying water for 21 miles. Mosquito-infested lake areas in July contrast with August dry spells.

Washington (miles 2176-2650): Generally water-rich, though specific dry ridges exist. The North Cascades receive the most precipitation on the entire trail.

Resupply strategy: Most thru-hikers use a hybrid approach—mailing boxes to remote locations with limited stores (Warner Springs mile 110, Kennedy Meadows General Store mile 703, Vermilion Valley Resort mile 877) while buying-and-bouncing in larger towns (purchasing a month of supplies in places like Tehachapi, South Lake Tahoe, or Ashland, then mailing boxes ahead). Mail drops require 3-4 weeks advance notice for Sierra resupply points. Average 2024 thru-hike costs were $10,149 ($71/day), nearly double 2019 costs. Budget for town food, lodging, and gear replacement.

Major resupply towns (northbound): Warner Springs (110), Wrightwood (369), Tehachapi (566), Kennedy Meadows South (702), Independence/Lone Pine (790), Vermilion Valley Resort (877), Mammoth Lakes (903), Tuolumne Meadows (942), Echo Lake/South Lake Tahoe (1094), Sierra City (1198), Belden (1286), Burney (1418), Castella (1542), Etna (1608), Callahan's Lodge (1722), Crater Lake Resort (1842), Shelter Cove Resort (2000), Cascade Locks (2156), Snoqualmie Pass (2394), Stehekin (2597).

Hazards & Challenges

River crossings: In high snow years, swollen creeks fed by snowmelt become deadly. Snow bridges fail 100% of the time every year—test thoroughly with trekking poles before crossing or find alternatives. Cross streams early morning when flows are lowest; by afternoon, melt intensifies flow. Group travel makes crossings safer. Statistically, fording rivers after big snow years is the trail's deadliest hazard. Many dangerous creeks have documented fatalities—research Andrew Skurka's list of hazardous High Sierra creeks and plan alternates.

Snow and ice: Even normal years see snow on high Sierra passes through June. In high snow years, ice axes and microspikes are essential from Kennedy Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows. Skills needed include self-arrest, step-kicking, route-finding without visible tread, and avalanche awareness. Take an avalanche safety course or PCT-specific snow travel training. Navigating snow-covered terrain above treeline requires map-and-compass skills and GPS.

Altitude sickness: The trail exceeds 8,000 feet for 435 miles, with three passes above 12,000 feet. Research shows 25% of visitors sleeping above 8,000 feet experience acute mountain sickness. Acclimatize gradually—don't increase sleeping elevation more than 1,500 feet per night. Follow "hike high, sleep low" by ascending passes in the morning and descending to camp below. Forester Pass (13,153 feet) is the highest point; consider camping at Crabtree Meadows and day-hiking nearby Mount Whitney (16.2-mile round trip, 3,730 feet gain) to pre-acclimatize. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness—descend if symptoms worsen.

Desert heat: Southern California temperatures exceed 100°F regularly in June. Night-hiking becomes necessary for some sections. Carry electrolyte supplements to prevent hyponatremia—add to every other liter. Wear sun protection including umbrella (essential desert gear), long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hat. Heat exhaustion and hyponatremia are serious risks.

Wildlife: Rattlesnakes are common in the first 700 miles—expect to see them on day one. Eight venomous species exist along the route. Black bears are present throughout, especially the Sierra where bear canisters are mandatory. Proper food storage is critical. Mosquitoes are legendary, especially in Oregon lakes during July and the Sierra in June-July. Carry DEET and headnets; time your hike to avoid peak bug season when possible.

Wildfire: No longer occasional but expected. In 2024, 26 fires burned along the trail, closing 16 sections. Monitor closures.pcta.org daily and have contingency plans for detours or skipping sections. Some closures last months post-fire due to hazard trees and erosion.

Exposure and weather: Lightning on exposed Sierra ridges is deadly—avoid afternoon thunderstorms in July-August. Washington's North Cascades are the wettest section; carry quality rain gear. Early season hikers face hypothermia risk from cold, wet conditions. Late season Washington snow can trap hikers.

Getting There

Southern Terminus (Campo, CA): Located at the Mexico-United States border. Most accessible via San Diego—rent a car or use PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle services (seasonal). San Diego International Airport (SAN) is 60 miles from Campo. Drive east on I-8, exit at Buckman Springs Road/Campo. Parking at Southern Terminus can be problematic for long-term; consider using Campo post office or arranging private parking through services. Trailhead break-ins are common—leave nothing valuable in your vehicle, or better yet, have someone drop you off.

Northern Terminus (Manning Park, BC): The official PCT terminus is 3 feet south of the Canadian border in Pasayten Wilderness. However, crossing the international border on the PCT is illegal (Canada discontinued the PCT entry permit as of January 31, 2025). Most hikers access via Hart's Pass (30 miles south) reached by rough dirt road unsuitable for trailers. From Manning Park Lodge, one daily bus departs at 11am to Vancouver. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the nearest major airport; Portland International (PDX) provides southern Washington access.

Mid-trail access: Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) is reached via paved road from US-395 near Ridgecrest. Tuolumne Meadows (942) has YARTS bus service seasonally. Crater Lake (1830) has limited seasonal access. Cascade Locks (2156) has Greyhound service. Snoqualmie Pass (2394) has regular I-90 bus service. Research specific trailhead access carefully—some require high-clearance vehicles, and road conditions change seasonally.

Shuttle services: Private shuttles operate at key sections. Kennedy Meadows Resort offers daily shuttles to Sonora Pass. Various services operate in each state—coordinate in advance or join PCT hiker Facebook groups for ride shares.

Parking security: Trailhead break-ins have increased 100% from 2020-2021. Choose visible parking spots, stash items before arriving, and use lockboxes or take everything with you. Some hikers leave glove compartments visibly open to show nothing's inside. Glass on pavement indicates chronic break-in problems—reconsider parking there.

Tips

Pre-trail preparation: Get wilderness first aid certified. If hiking early season, take snow travel and avalanche safety courses—Sierra Mountain Center and Blackbird Guides offer PCT-specific training. Break in boots thoroughly. Train with loaded pack at elevation if possible.

Kennedy Meadows shakedown: This mile-702 general store marks the desert-to-Sierra transition. Mail your bear canister, microspikes, ice axe, warmer sleeping bag, and extra food here. It's a "vortex" where hikers wait for weather windows and trail family groups form. Use this rest to evaluate gear—many hikers ship home unnecessary items and upgrade worn equipment. Plan 7 days of food from Kennedy Meadows to Lone Pine/Independence, including the Mount Whitney side trip if attempting it.

Camp selection: In the desert, look for wind protection and water proximity. In the Sierra, camp below passes to avoid altitude sickness and lightning—cross passes early morning. In Oregon, camp away from mosquito-breeding lakes when possible. In Washington, prepare for rain and choose sheltered sites.

Pace and milage: Early season northbound hikers should reach Kennedy Meadows by early-to-mid June, targeting the Sierra in June when snow is manageable but creeks aren't raging. This requires averaging 15-20 miles daily through the desert. Through the Sierra, slow down for safety and acclimatization. Oregon's gentle terrain allows 25+ mile days if desired. Washington's final push requires maintained pace to finish before September snow.

Community and trail names: The PCT has a strong hiker culture. Trail names emerge organically—don't choose your own. Trail families ("tramilies") form naturally around similar pace. Participate in trail magic graciously but don't expect it. Follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously, especially regarding human waste and food storage.

Resupply timing: Don't overpack food—most hikers initially carry too much. Your appetite will increase dramatically after the first month. Plan 4-6 days between resupply in the Sierra, 5-7 days in Northern California, and 4-6 days in Oregon and Washington.

Flexibility is essential: Weather, wildfires, injuries, and trail closures will disrupt your plan. Have alternate routes researched. Join PCT Class of [year] Facebook groups for real-time trail intelligence. The trail changes daily—what worked for last year's hikers may not apply in a high snow or high fire year.

Section hiking gems: If not thru-hiking, prioritize these sections—Goat Rocks (Washington miles 2266-2294), Three Sisters Wilderness (Oregon miles 1910-1990), Crater Lake rim alternate (mile 1842), Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass (miles 942-1018), Forester Pass to Kearsarge Pass (miles 790-819), San Jacinto via Devil's Slide alternate (miles 179-202).

Final wisdom: The PCT is less about conquering miles and more about adapting to the wilderness on its terms. Every year is different—snow years demand different skills than drought years. Stay humble, flexible, and wilderness-competent. The trail will teach you everything else.

Trail Sections