Frequently Asked Questions about the Pacific Crest Trail

What is the best guide for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail?

FarOut.  We have created the best and most popular guide for PCT hikers.

Trail data and map information is constantly updated so you have the most current information. View a free 77 miles section of the Pacific Crest Trail from the US-Mexico border to Julian.

How long is the Pacific Crest Trail?

The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,654 miles long (4,271 kilometers). Its path travels from the US-Mexico border to the northern US-Canada border, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington.

It takes the average hiker about 5 months to complete the PCT.

How long is the California section?

The California section of the Pacific Crest Trail is 1,692 miles (2,723 kilometers).

How long is the Oregon section?

The Oregon section of the PCT is 456 miles (734 kilometers).

How long is the Washington section?

The Washington section of the PCT is 506 miles (814 kilometers).

What is the highest point on the trail?

The highest point on the PCT is at Forester Pass located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Forester Pass has an elevation of 13,120 feet (3,999 meters).

What is the lowest point on the trail?

The lowest point on the PCT is at Cascade Locks at the Oregon and Washington border. Cascade Locks has an elevation of 104 feet (43 meters).

When is the best time to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

Most northbound thru-hikers leave the US-Mexico border between March and early May.

Most southbound thru-hikers leave the US-Canada border around June or July but snow conditions usually dictate the start date.

Check out our blog post that shows the best time to hike different trails around the world.

How long does it take to hike the entire trail?

Many people take about 5 months to hike the entire PCT, which is an average of 17.7 miles each day (150 days x 17.69 = 2,654 miles). Due to snow in Washington for Northbounders or snow in the High Sierra for Southbounders, it is not advisable to plan for a hike that lasts longer than 6 months. Fast hikers can finish the trail in 3 months, averaging about 29.5 miles each day (90 days x 29.49 = 2,654 miles). The fastest known time to hike the entire PCT was set by Timothy Olson in 2022, at 51.7 days, which is an average of 51.3 miles a day (51.7 days x 51.33 = 2,654 miles).

Do you need a permit to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

In certain areas along the PCT you will need a hiking permit. You can apply for a PCT long distance permit on the PCTA website for hikes 500 miles or longer. These permits are issued in November and January. The PCT long-distance permits are difficult to obtain because of the recent popularity of the trail.

How much does it cost to hike the entire trail?

The cost of a hike varies widely, so FarOut created a hiking cost calculator where you can estimate the cost of your hiking trip based on your personal hiking style.

What do hikers eat?

The ideal backpacking food is delicious, lightweight, non-perishable, calorie dense, easy to prepare, nutritious, and affordable. Check out our blog post on hiking food.