Geographic Areas

The Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail begins at the Bridge of the Gods (elev. 180’) on the Columbia River and stretches all the way to Monument 78 at the Canadian border (elev. 4,240’). From there, an additional seven miles of trail—added by the Canadian government—continues to Highway 3 in British Columbia’s Manning Provincial Park (elev. 3,800’), offering international hikers a final stretch of wilderness before civilization. The section opens with a long, forested climb out of the Columbia River Gorge, gradually reaching the crest near the Indian Heaven Wilderness—a lake-dotted plateau famous for its huckleberries. From there, the trail circles the massive base of Mt. Adams (elev. 12,276’), one of the giants of the southern Cascades. Just to the north lies the dramatic and rugged Goat Rocks Wilderness, a landscape reminiscent of California’s High Sierra. Here, the trail crosses high alpine ridges and even traverses the edge of the Packwood Glacier—a true highlight for hikers and equestrians alike. After crossing Highway 12 at White Pass, the trail winds through the William O. Douglas Wilderness, known for its abundance of alpine lakes. The route continues toward the towering presence of Mt. Rainier (elev. 14,410’), passing dozens of lakes enroute to Highway 410 at Chinook Pass. From Chinook Pass, the trail makes a relatively easy descent to Snoqualmie Pass (Interstate 90)—a stretch where private land logging has left large clear-cut areas, offering limited cover from Washington’s frequent rain.
 

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Then come the North Cascades—a region of wild beauty and alpine drama. Much like California’s High Sierra, this stretch features a continuous rhythm of deep canyons, steep climbs, and high passes. The trail traverses the Alpine Lakes, Henry M. Jackson, and Glacier Peak Wildernesses, eventually entering Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park, and the vast Pasayten Wilderness. One of the crown jewels of this section is Glacier Peak—a solitary, snow-covered volcano surrounded by a rugged rollercoaster of switchbacks. The trail’s challenging route around it leaves a lasting impression on all who pass through. Not only is this terrain wild and steep, it’s also the wettest section of the entire PCT. Washington’s northern Cascades sit directly in the path of Pacific storms, creating a landscape shaped by water. The result? Roughly 750 perennial snowfields and small glaciers—accounting for half of all snowfield area in the Lower 48.

What to Expect in This Section

Expect steep climbs, exposed ridges, dramatic alpine scenery, and rapidly changing weather. Lakeview Ridge (elev. 7,126’), located just eight miles from the Canadian border, is the highest point in this section and offers a fittingly grand finale to the journey north. The plant life here reflects a colder, wetter climate. You’ll encounter species typical of Alaskan and Canadian ecosystems, such as Alaska cedar and grand fir. If you visit in September, watch for western larch—a deciduous conifer that blazes gold before shedding its needles, painting the mountains in fall color. Washington’s backcountry is also home to northern wildlife, including mountain goats, Canadian lynx, and even occasional sightings of grizzly bears in remote areas.

The Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Siskiyou Summit (elev. 4,310’) in the state’s southern tip to the Washington border—and while it’s the shortest leg of the trail, it’s also widely considered the easiest to hike or ride. Oregon’s Cascade Range presents a gentler profile than the jagged peaks to the south. The trail follows a relatively steady elevation along a volcanic ridge that’s both dramatic and forgiving. The highest point in Oregon on the PCT is an unnamed saddle north of Mt. Thielsen, topping out at 7,560 feet—a modest climb compared to other sections of the trail. While the elevation profile is tame, the views are anything but. Towering volcanic peaks like Mt. McLoughlin, Diamond Peak, Mt. Washington, Three Finger Jack, The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, and the iconic Mt. Hood line the horizon like a procession of giants. Even Crater Lake, formed by the collapse of Mt. Mazama, lies along the route, with a side trail leading to the rim for jaw-dropping views of one of the world’s most pristine lakes. The only major elevation change in the state comes near the end of the section: a 3,160-foot descent into the Columbia River Gorge, where hikers cross Interstate 84 and the Columbia River via the Bridge of the Gods (elev. 180’), marking the dramatic transition into Washington.

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Along the way, lakes are a constant companion—especially north of Highway 140 in the Sky Lakes Wilderness, in the Diamond Peak Wilderness, and throughout the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas. While northern Oregon offers fewer lakes, the region compensates with stunning views of large reservoirs and glacier-fed rivers. Of all Oregon’s natural wonders, Mt. Hood stands tallest—both literally and symbolically. At 11,235 feet, it’s the state’s highest peak and most prominent volcano, its glacier-draped flanks dominating the landscape.

What to Expect in This Section

Thanks to consistent precipitation, Oregon’s portion of the PCT is wrapped in dense, shady forests. Towering Douglas fir, silver fir, and noble fir dominate lower elevations, while subalpine fir thrives closer to the tree line. Trailside flora includes pinedrops, prince’s pine, and Oregon grape, while open meadows bloom with pasque flowers and fireweed in season. Wildlife in this region is diverse and often active. Hikers may spot squirrels, mice, foxes, beavers, deer, and elk. The air is alive with birdsong—songbirds chase insects, nutcrackers feast on pine seeds, and grouse shuffle through the underbrush. Oregon’s stretch of the PCT is often praised as a “cruiser” section—a place to make miles while still soaking in incredible views, alpine lakes, volcanic history, and some of the trail’s most photogenic landscapes.
 

North of Donner Summit (elev. 7,200’), the Pacific Crest Trail enters a dramatically different landscape. Here, ancient volcanic flows and sediments blanket the old Sierra Nevada bedrock, making the terrain feel dustier and more eroded—especially in the dry heat of late summer. Beyond the North Fork of the Feather River, the Sierra Nevada range gives way to the southern Cascades. Volcanic in origin and rich in nutrients, the soils in this region support lush and diverse forests. Lupine, paintbrush, larkspur, columbine, gooseberry, and manzanita line the trail throughout the growing season. The forests are alive with wildlife—raccoons, martens, minks, badgers, foxes, bobcats, and the ever-present black bears and deer. Come fall, the skies fill with migrating birds heading south along the Pacific Flyway. This is also timber country. Logging roads frequently cross the trail, a reminder that human activity is never far—even in the most remote corners.

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Midway through the southern Cascades, the PCT crosses Highway 89 and enters Lassen Volcanic National Park, where Lassen Peak (elev. 10,457’) looms over steaming fumaroles, alpine meadows, and lava fields. North of Lassen, the trail follows the dry, exposed Hat Creek Rim, a long, mostly waterless stretch with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic tablelands. In the distance, Mt. Shasta rises dramatically above the horizon, a snowcapped sentinel anchoring the skyline of Northern California. Rather than continuing north through the drier parts of the southern Cascades, the PCT veers west, descending to the Sacramento River (elev. 2,130’) at Interstate 5. From there, it climbs again into Castle Crags State Park and enters the rugged wilderness of the Trinity Alps, where the trail reaches elevations up to 7,600 feet in a transition zone between the Cascades and the coastal ranges. The trail continues its northward journey through the Marble Mountains, dropping briefly to the Klamath River (elev. 1,370’) before climbing once more to cross the Siskiyou Mountains. It then turns east toward Oregon, ending this section at Interstate 5 near Siskiyou Summit (elev. 4,310’).

What to Expect in This Section

Northern California is a region of transitions—geologically, ecologically, and visually. Volcanic landscapes give way to dense forests, high ridgelines open up to sweeping valley views, and the trail passes from the Sierra into the Cascades and beyond. Flora in this section is vibrant and seasonal. Expect a colorful mix of wildflowers, berries, and evergreens, with towering pines and thick understories in the wetter zones. Wildlife is active and diverse. Black bears and deer are common, while smaller mammals like foxes, raccoons, and badgers make quiet appearances. Birders will enjoy the fall migration season, when flocks pass overhead in dramatic formation.
Trail users should be prepared for dry stretches (especially around Hat Creek Rim), long climbs, and variable weather as the PCT crosses multiple mountain ranges. But for those who take it on, this section offers some of the most scenic and varied terrain in California.

The Central California section of the Pacific Crest Trail begins at Walker Pass (elev. 5,246’) and immediately enters a remote, rugged, and stunning landscape. With few road crossings and even fewer signs of development, this stretch offers a true backcountry experience. The trail hugs the dry, windswept crest of the Chimney Peak Wilderness before reaching the South Fork of the Kern River near Kennedy Meadows—a key gateway to the High Sierra. From here, the trail weaves through open meadows and dense conifer forests before climbing 3,300 feet toward Cottonwood Pass. To the north, hikers begin to see the dramatic granite skyline of the glaciated High Sierra. These ancient glaciers carved out thousands of shallow basins that now shimmer as alpine lakes and tarns—many perched near or above the tree line. 

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In Sequoia National Park, the Pacific Crest Trail intersects with the famed John Muir Trail, which descends from the base of Mt. Whitney (elev. 14,494’). From there, the two trails share the same path for much of the way to Tuolumne Meadows (elev. 8,690’) in Yosemite National Park. This portion of the PCT is defined by its dramatic ups and downs. The trail repeatedly drops into deep canyons and climbs back to high passes—crossing eight named passes over 11,000 feet, including Forester Pass (elev. 13,180’), the highest point on the entire PCT. Beyond Highway 108 at Sonora Pass (elev. 9,620’), the elevation shifts become less extreme, and the trail settles into a more moderate, subalpine rhythm. It stays close to the Sierra crest through volcanic terrain, particularly between Sonora Pass and Echo Summit at Highway 50, and again near the section’s northern end just past the Granite Chief Wilderness. The Central California section concludes at Interstate 80 (elev. 7,200’).

What to Expect in This Section

This region offers a striking mix of geology, plant life, and wildlife shaped by elevation and climate. South of Yosemite, hikers may encounter scattered volcanic rock, but the volcanic formations become more prominent further north. Plant life includes corn lily, snow plant, red fir, and Jeffrey and ponderosa pines at lower elevations. As you climb, you'll find mule ears, mountain hemlock, and gnarled whitebark pines near the tree line. Wildlife sightings might include marmots, coyotes, mule deer, and black bears—some of whom have developed a taste for unattended granola bars and dehydrated meals. Birds such as the mountain chickadee, junco, Steller’s jay, Clark’s nutcracker, and red-tailed hawk bring the landscape to life with constant sound and motion.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins its journey in Southern California on a low hill near Campo (elev. 2,600’), a small town near the U.S.–Mexico border. From there, it winds through Lake Morena County Park, crosses under Interstate 8, and climbs steadily through chaparral, scrub oaks, and pine forests along the Laguna Mountains. The trail dips into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at Scissors Crossing, then weaves its way through the San Felipe Hills and the rugged terrain of the Cleveland National Forest. 

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After crossing Highway 74 at 4,900 feet, it climbs into the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, reaching 9,030 feet—its highest elevation in this region—before descending sharply to its lowest point: 1,190 feet at San Gorgonio Pass, beneath Interstate 10. From there, the PCT ascends again into two forested, east–west mountain ranges, offering much-needed shade. It passes near Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, then crosses Interstate 15 at Cajon Pass between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of both the Los Angeles Basin and the Mojave Desert.

To the west of Mt. Baden-Powell and the scenic Angeles Crest Highway, the trail drops into the canyon lands near Highway 14 at Agua Dulce, then continues through the chaparral-covered Sierra Pelona Mountains. As it heads north, the trail crosses the San Andreas Fault Zone and the edge of the Mojave Desert—an area known for its heat and dryness—before climbing into the Tehachapi Mountains and entering the Sierra Nevada. The Southern California segment ends at Walker Pass (elev. 5,246’), just east of Lake Isabella.

What to Expect in This Section

This portion of the trail features geologically active terrain, shaped by fault lines and seismic movement. The variety in elevation brings a dynamic mix of ecosystems—from desert scrub and oak woodlands to high-elevation pine forests. Wildlife sightings may include lizards, snakes, rodents, coyotes, and even the elusive mountain lion. Hummingbirds add a flash of color as they dart through flowering plants. Water sources are scarce, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures often range from the 80s to over 100°F. Hikers should plan accordingly and carry extra water when possible.