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Pacific Crest Trail Section Map And History

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), officially known as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is one of the major long-distance hiking trails in the United States, often referred to by hikers as part of the "Triple Crown" along with the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail.

Spanning 2,659 miles, the PCT closely follows the highest portions of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, located 100 to 180 miles east of the Pacific coastline. It stretches from its southern terminus on the Mexico/U.S. border near Campo, California, passing through diverse landscapes, to its northern terminus at the Canada–US border in British Columbia.

The trail's elevation varies significantly, ranging from just above sea level at the Columbia River to 13,153 feet at Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada. It traverses through a variety of land types including private land, BLM land, 25 national forests, and 7 national parks. The PCT also crosses several distinct bioregions such as the Colorado Desert, Mojave Desert, Sierra Nevada Range, Modoc Volcanic Highlands, Klamath/Cascade Coast Range, West Cascades, and Northern Cascades. Its midpoint is near Chester, California, where the Sierra and Cascade mountain ranges converge.

Designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968 under the National Trails System Act, the PCT was completed in 1993. It was originally envisioned by Clinton Churchill Clarke in 1932, a Boy Scout advocate passionate about creating long-distance trails.

Pacific Crest Trail Statistics:

States: The PCT passes through three states: California, Oregon, and Washington.
Highest Point: Forester Pass in California at 13,153 feet (4,009 meters) is the highest point on the trail.
Lowest Point: The lowest elevation on the PCT is near the Columbia River in Oregon, around 140 feet (43 meters) above sea level.
Length: Approximately 2,653 miles (4,270 kilometers) from start to finish.

Pacific Crest Trail Bioregions:

Colorado Desert: Located in Southern California and parts of Arizona, characterized by its desert flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions.
Mojave Desert: Known for its iconic Joshua trees and unique desert landscapes.
Sierra Nevada Range: Features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife including black bears and mule deer.
Modoc Volcanic Highlands: Area with volcanic landscapes and lava fields, located in Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Klamath/Cascade Coast Range: Includes lush forests and mountain ranges known for their volcanic activity and biodiversity.
West Cascades: Dominated by coniferous forests and rugged terrain in Oregon and Washington.
Northern Cascades: Characterized by glaciated peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests in Washington.

Fun Facts About The PCT:

• The PCT passes through 25 national forests and 7 national parks.
• It typically takes hikers 4 to 6 months to complete the entire trail.
• The trail hosts an incredible diversity of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, deer, and numerous bird species.

Movies Filmed on the PCT Trail:

Several films have featured the PCT, including the adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's memoir "Wild" starring Reese Witherspoon, which brought significant attention to the trail.

Famous Hikers:

Several notable individuals have completed the PCT, including:
Cheryl Strayed: Author of "Wild," which recounts her transformative journey along the PCT.
Scott Williamson: Known for setting records and completing numerous thru-hikes of the PCT.
Heather Anderson: Known for setting the overall self-supported speed record on the PCT.

Hazards:

Hiking the PCT presents various hazards including:
Extreme Weather: Snow, heatwaves, and thunderstorms can pose risks depending on the season and location.
Wildlife Encounters: Bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes are present along the trail.
Terrain Challenges: Steep climbs, rocky paths, and river crossings can be physically demanding.
Navigation: Sections of the trail may be poorly marked or obscured by snow in early seasons, requiring navigational skills.

Time to Hike the Pacific Crest Trail:

The average time to complete the PCT is about 4 to 6 months, depending on individual pace, weather conditions, and resupply strategies. Some elite hikers have completed it in under 100 days, while others take longer to enjoy the scenery and rest at towns along the way.

For hikers looking to take short side trips off the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), there are several popular options known for their scenic beauty and accessibility. Here are a few:

1. Eagle Rock, Warner Springs, CA: A short hike off the PCT near Warner Springs leads to Eagle Rock, a large granite formation resembling an eagle with its wings outstretched. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

2. McKenzie Pass, Oregon: Near the PCT in Oregon, McKenzie Pass offers a short side trip to Dee Wright Observatory, a stone structure with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and lava fields.

3. Big Bear Lake, CA: Hikers can take a side trip off the PCT to Big Bear Lake, where trails like the Cougar Crest Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail to Bertha Peak offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

4. Goat Rocks Wilderness, WA: Off the PCT in Washington, side trips to places like Old Snowy Mountain or Goat Lake offer breathtaking alpine scenery with views of glaciated peaks and wildflower meadows.

5. Crater Lake National Park, OR: Although a bit farther off the PCT, Crater Lake offers stunning viewpoints accessible via short hikes like Garfield Peak Trail or Watchman Peak Trail, showcasing the deep blue lake and surrounding volcanic landscapes.

6. Mount Hood, OR: Near the PCT, side trips to Mount Hood offer opportunities for short hikes like the Timberline Trail or hikes to scenic viewpoints like Tom Dick and Harry Mountain, offering views of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range.

7. Mount Whitney, CA: For those looking for a more challenging side trip, a detour to Mount Whitney from the PCT (via the Whitney Portal) offers the chance to summit the highest peak in the contiguous United States, though this requires a permit and is a longer excursion.

These side trips provide opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks near the PCT, enhancing the hiking experience with unique vistas and natural beauty.

This comprehensive overview should provide a good foundation on the Pacific Crest Trail, highlighting its geographical diversity, historical significance, and challenges faced by those who embark on this iconic journey.

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