The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650 mile (4,265 kilometers) trail that runs from the California/Mexico border at Campo, California, to the Washington/Canada border, at Manning Park, British Columbia. The PCT passes through California, Oregon, and Washington, twenty-five national forests, and seven national parks.

From March through May, hopeful thru-hikers try to complete the entire journey from the southern terminus to the northern terminus. It takes an average of 4-6 months to complete.

The PCT is often thought about in 5 sections:

• Southern California (~700 miles), which is often considered the desert portion of the PCT.

• The Sierra (~600 miles), which includes Yosemite National Park, the John Muir Trail, and a short detour to Mount Whitney. The PCT crosses eight named passes in this section, including Forrester Pass at 13,153’ of elevation.

• Northern California (~400 miles), where the Sierra yields to the southern Cascade range, and most people can’t believe they are still in California.

• Oregon (~460 miles), where highlights include Crater Lake and Mount Hood. Oregon finishes at the Bridge of the Gods, where Cheryl Strayed finished her hike.

• Washington (~500 miles), where the trail enters to the Northern Cascades, with views of Mount Rainier. The goal is finish by middle/end of September at Manning Park before the snow begins to fall!