Guidebook to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), an epic 2650 mile hike from California's Mexican border to Canada's British Columbia. One of the world's best hikes, the route passes through California, Oregon and Washington State, taking in the Mojave desert, High Sierras, Cascades and countless more wild mountains.
Seasons
The PCT is designed to be hiked when it is free of snow; Southern California is best in the spring or autumn and the High Sierra, Northern California, Oregon and Washington are best from late June to early October. Through-hikers need to start in mid-May.
Centres
Most hikers access the PCT from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle or Vancouver, all of which are about 50 miles west of the trail.
Difficulty
The PCT is a well-engineered trail taking the hiker easily through the mountains but it is a wilderness trail, often a long way from road access, and you will need to carry food for several days; there is little accommodation so you will need to camp or bivouac.
Must See
The High Sierra of California with Mount Whitney, the John Muir Trail and Yosemite National Park; Crater Lake in Oregon; the towering volcanoes of the Cascade Mountains: Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, The Three Sisters, Mount Washington, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and Glacier Peak.
