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Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is a treasured pathway through some of the most outstanding scenic terrain in the United States. Beginning in southern California at the Mexican border, the PCT travels a total distance of 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.
One of the original National Scenic Trails established by Congress in the 1968 National Trails System Act, the PCT is administered by the US Forest Service.
- View the National Trails System Website
- Visit the Pacific Crest Trail Association's website for information on planning a trip on the PCT.
The Forest Service partners with the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, California State Parks, and the Pacific Crest Trail Association to provide effective management and protection of the trail.
- Browse our Frequently Asked Questions.
National Trails System
National Recreation Trails (NRTs) provide for numerous outdoor recreation activities in a variety of urban, rural, and remote areas.
Over 1,200 trails in all 50 states, available for public use and ranging from less than a mile to 485 miles in length, have been designated as NRTs on federal, state, municipal, and privately owned lands.
For more information visit: NRT Database by American Trails.
Features
PCT Interactive Map
Click on, zoom through, and explore the Pacific Crest Trail. This shows federal land managing boundaries and provides contact information along the trail.
Report a Pacific Crest Trail Incident
Report all incidents on the Pacific Crest Trail. Suspicious or illegal activity that does not require emergency response should be reported as soon as possible to local rangers or local law-enforcement. Trail-wide PCT Incident Report Form
Spotlights
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Since 1977, the PCTA has protected, maintained, and advocated for the Pacific Crest Trail. Protecting America’s Greatest Wilderness Trail Experience
Leave No Trace (LNT)
Leave No Trace strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts.