The 5 Best Sections on the Pacific Crest Trail, According to a Dirtbag Who Has Done it All
1. The High Sierra: This section of the PCT is known for its stunning alpine scenery, including iconic landmarks like Mount Whitney and the John Muir Trail. 2. The Oregon Cascades: Hikers can expect lush forests, volcanic peaks, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape as they traverse this section of the trail. 3. Washington's North Cascades: This rugged and remote section offers challenging terrain, breathtaking vistas, and the chance to spot wildlife like bears and mountain goats. 4. The Mojave Desert: Despite its reputation for extreme heat and arid conditions, this section of the trail offers unique beauty, including Joshua trees and expansive desert landscapes. 5. The Sierra Buttes: This section of the PCT offers diverse terrain, from high alpine meadows to dense forests, and provides a sense of solitude and tranquility for hikers.
The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, is a 2,653-mile long trail that stretches from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a favorite among long-distance hikers, known as "thru-hikers," who strive to complete the entire trail in one season. The PCT offers stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and challenging terrain, making it an unforgettable experience for those who embark on the journey.
As a seasoned thru-hiker, I have had the privilege of hiking the entire PCT multiple times, and have come to appreciate the unique beauty of each section. While every part of the trail has its own allure, there are five sections that stand out as the best in my opinion. These sections offer a combination of breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences. Here are the top five sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, according to a dirtbag who has done it all:
1. Southern California: Starting at the Mexican border, the southernmost section of the PCT offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the desert terrain of the Mojave to the rugged peaks of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains. Hiking through the desert can be grueling, with scorching temperatures and limited water sources, but the stark beauty of the desert landscape is truly awe-inspiring. As you ascend into the mountains, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and canyons, and the opportunity to explore alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes. The iconic Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio are highlights of this section, offering challenging climbs and panoramic vistas that make the tough terrain worth it.
2. The Sierra Nevada: This section of the PCT is arguably the most famous, and for good reason. The Sierra Nevada is home to some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes on the entire trail, including the iconic peaks of the High Sierra and the pristine alpine lakes of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Hiking through the Sierra is a truly magical experience, with granite peaks towering above, crystal-clear streams and rivers, and lush meadows filled with wildflowers. The challenging terrain, including high mountain passes and steep descents, is more than made up for by the unparalleled beauty of this section. The John Muir Trail, which shares a portion of the PCT in this area, offers some of the most breathtaking views and is a must-do for any thru-hiker.
3. The Cascades: As the PCT continues north into Oregon and Washington, it traverses the majestic Cascade Range, home to some of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest. This section of the trail offers a diverse array of landscapes, from dense forests and lush meadows to rugged volcanic terrain and glaciated peaks. The towering volcanoes of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Adams are highlights of this section, offering challenging climbs and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Hiking through the lush forests and meadows of the Cascades is a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, and the abundance of water sources and wildlife make this section a favorite among thru-hikers.
4. The Columbia River Gorge: This section of the PCT, which runs along the border of Oregon and Washington, offers a unique blend of lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and stunning waterfalls. Hiking through the Columbia River Gorge is a feast for the senses, with the sound of rushing waterfalls, the scent of pine and cedar, and the sight of towering cliffs and deep canyons. The Eagle Creek Trail, which is part of the PCT in this area, is a highlight of this section, offering hikers the opportunity to explore lush, moss-covered canyons and witness the power and beauty of several breathtaking waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls.
5. The North Cascades: The final section of the PCT, as it approaches the Canadian border, offers some of the most remote and rugged terrain on the entire trail. The North Cascades are known for their dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes, making this section a fitting conclusion to the epic journey of the PCT. Hiking through the North Cascades is a challenging yet rewarding experience, with steep climbs, narrow ridgelines, and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail passes through the rugged and remote Pasayten Wilderness, offering a true wilderness experience that is unmatched anywhere else on the PCT.
In conclusion, the Pacific Crest Trail offers a wide range of landscapes and experiences, and every section has its own unique beauty and challenges. However, these five sections stand out as the best in my opinion, offering a combination of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences. Whether you are a seasoned thru-hiker or a novice backpacker, these sections of the PCT are not to be missed. Embarking on the journey of the PCT is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and these sections are the epitome of the trail's allure and magnificence.
