There are five distinct sections of the PCT. They are surprisingly different.
- “The Desert” or Southern California. This covers from Campo at mile 0 on the border with Mexico to Kennedy Meadows South at about 703. It is really a type of terrain known as high chaparral. Known for long water carries and stunning desert flowers.
- “The Sierra”(s) from Mile 703 to South Lake Tahoe at Mile 1092. This has snow for early hikers, water crossings, high passes and some dramatic scenery. It also offers Mt Whitney as a side trip and requires a bear canister through roughly Truckee (which is past the edge of the Sierra section).
- Roughly six hundred miles of Northern California. Mile 1092 to mile 1692. I really enjoyed hiking this section though there is a lot of fire damage. The trail is beautiful. Too late in the season and it is also very hot but if you get
- The next section is Oregon, which has a calmer beauty and too often mosquitoes. Greener than California but not as dramatic as Washington. I’m glad we hiked this first because on it’s own terms it is beautiful. It is a softer/easier hike than much of the trail and Crater Lake is incredible. This is usually the fastest part of the trail for most hikers.
- Washington, where the trail finishes. Miles 2147 to 2650. Many people have this as their favorite part of the trail. It has many sweeping vistas, some real isolation and the northern terminus.