Pacific Crest Trail - 2013 - Purple Haze Hikes %

Why the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)?

I was 16 that summer of 1971 and I’m certain, although hard to believe, my parents were a bit at odds with me. Basically, it was something like “you need to spend some time with your grandparents!”. I was subsequently shipped off on a Continental Trailways bus from Phoenix to Portland, Oregon. My grandparents were dairy farmers outside of Portland on land that would later become premiere ground for Pinot Noir grapes. Unfortunately, it was way too early for them to capitalize on this. One thing my grandparents could undoubtedly be counted on was a stack of National Geographic magazines. While perusing this stack for what any 16-year -old boy may be searching for, I ran across an article on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – it got my attention!

So I continued to research the Pacific Crest Trail and collect whatever info might be out there. I read “High Adventure of Eric Ryback” and Colin Fletcher’s “The Complete Walker” and “The Man Who Walked Through Time“. I even found some early versions of PCT maps – three in all to cover the entire trail! Undeniably hooked – just needed to string together four to five months. No sweat. It didn’t happen for a long while.

PCT – What and Where?

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2,664 miles from Mexico to Canada passing through California, Oregon and Washington along the way. The PCT was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968 but was not officially completed until 1993. The route passes through 25 national forests, 51 Wilderness Areas and 7 national parks and has an overall elevation gain of 489,000 ft.

The PCT has something to suit all tastes and contrasts:

Deserts, mountains, canyons, National Parks, rivers and lakes.
Solitude, trail towns and a few gas stations.
Low points (140 ft) and high points (13,180 ft). And Mt. Whitney as an added bonus at 14,505 ft.
Wildlife of all sizes, skeeters and reptiles, maybe even some lowlife.
Sun, rain, wind and snow.
Big mileage days and zero days.
Instant rice, beans and potatoes.

This may be dated but a reported 200-300 hikers attempt a thru-hike each year. I’m not aware of hard statistics but perhaps 50% finish in the approximate 5-month window. The window, at least for NOBOs, is starting the trail before it gets too hot in Southern California and not too early to hit heavy snow in the Sierras. Besides that, one must finish at the border with Canada before severe snowstorms in Northern Washington.

Furthermore, A great starting point for PCT information is the Pacific Crest Trail Association, http://pcta.org.

PCT Daily Posts

My daily blogs and posts related to the PCT are found below: