What is the easiest part of the PCT? (2023)

What is the easiest section of the PCT?

Oregon. Oregon is by far the easiest section of the PCT: it's almost flat and some hikers take the so-called “Oregon challenge” of hiking the 455 miles of this section in just 2 weeks.

The climb out of Hauser Canyon is cited by many hikers as one of the hardest sections of the PCT because it is typically the first day.

While the PCT is easy to follow, you can get off track if you're not paying attention. A day will come where you really need these important tools. Don't leave them behind and know how to use them. Take an orienteering class.

You're Going to Need Permits—Lots and Lots of Permits

Backpackers who only intend to hike a small portion of the PCT can usually get by with a permit that is designated for hikes that are 500 miles in length or less. Those permits can generally be obtained at the trail head for free or at a nominal cost.

That shows, when evaluating the most obvious factor, terrain, the AT is without question the more difficult of the two trails. Not only is the PCT graded much more favorably than the AT, you'll find a much more rugged tread with more rocks and roots on the AT.

PCT hikers go north because that's what most people do. It also allows for more water in the desert and an easier start compared to a snowbound North Cascades.

Most people over 10-20 miles a day, with a 16-mile-a-day average. Some days you'll walk more; some days you won't walk as much. Create a rough plan of where you'll be each week and each month, and consider the weather when planning.

Thru-hiking

It is estimated the average completion rate is around 14%. While most hikers travel from the southern terminus at the Mexico–US border northward to Manning Park, British Columbia, some hikers prefer a southbound route.

Josh Perry, a 27-year-old British endurance hiker, completed the Pacific Crest Trail on August 7th in just 55 days, 16 hours, and 54 minutes, breaking the self-supported speed record on the PCT previously set by Heather “Anish” Anderson in 2013.

Which trail is harder PCT or CDT?

The CDT is by far the most difficult of the three trails due to navigation challenges, wildlife, weather, and long stretches between resupply and water. Smooth trail, a gentle grade, and beautiful views define the PCT.

In reading other people's blogs, we decided that one of the big dangers of hiking the PCT is weight loss. We saw the before and after pictures of hikers at the beginning and end of the trail and, wow, what a difference! Losing thirty or more pounds is not unusual.

hikers with one single pair of socks on their PCT hike. Just one, that's it. The one they were wearing every single day.

Carrying firearms is generally discouraged

They could be turned against you or result in an accidental shooting and they are extra weight most PCT hikers find unnecessary. Horseback riders may consider firearms to put down injured and sick animals.

Most hikers report about $1,000 per month of on-trail costs, and on average hikers take five to six months to hike the PCT, so it's probably a good idea to save at least $5,000 to ensure you have enough money to complete the trail. Keep in mind this is just an average.

How to buy shoes: Pacific Crest Trail hikers go through a lot of shoes—expect to wear about seven different pairs on your trip from Mexico to Canada. For first-time thru-hikers, I advise starting the PCT with a pair of shoes that you've worn in and trust, but haven't used too much.

Most PCT hikers carry between a 40-65L capacity backpack, with a main pack volume of 30-50 liters. This means the pack volume, minus the capacity of minor pockets and mesh pockets.

The Recognition. The Continental Divide Trail may not be as well-known as the Pacific Crest Trail on a large scale (and this is a good thing), but among hikers, the CDT is largely regarded as the more challenging of the two trails.

Is the CDT harder than the AT?

The CDT is much more difficult logistically than the AT or the PCT. Resupply points are few and far between with at least 5 to 7 days or more between towns. Not only are there are fewer towns compared to the AT and PCT, but the trail does not go near them.

Summer and early fall are generally the best time to hike in the mountains, while low-lying parts of California are most pleasant in spring and fall. Winter snow buries most of the trail from around October or November into early July. Those looking for normal dry-trail conditions wait until the snow has melted.

Around 10 to 20% of hikers get a start date within five days of when they wanted to start, and each year fewer than 10% of hikers (oftentimes under 5%) are unhappy with their permit's start date. Basically, chances are pretty good that you're going to get a permit for a date you're happy with.

The great majority of PCT thru-hikers are from 20 to 40 years old, so most of the forum discussions are aimed at recommendations from and for hikers in this age range.

“Hiking the PCT is hard, sometimes very hard. But compared to the life off-trail, the life on the trail is easier. There are fewer concerns. You still have some, but they are very basic.

Shaffer. Let it be known: Shaffer got there first. The first ever recorded thru-hiker finished the trail in 1948. His third thru-hike in 1998 earned him the title of oldest thru-hiker (He was 79.)

The consensus is that you should have at least 4 liters water capacity for Southern California, and then reducing to 1-3 liters depending on your hiking style.

Except in case of snow, which can hide all landmarks in no time and make it almost impossible to navigate an otherwise easy terrain, it's very hard to get lost on the PCT. So technically and physically, almost anyone can attempt this thru-hike on the condition of having enough time and savings to do so.

The number could be as high as 20. At least 5 hikers have disappeared and not been found. In fact, there have been 11 deaths on or near the trail in California, 8 of those in the desert section.

Has anyone ran the PCT?

In the summer of 2021, during a time when the PCT was engulfed in some of the largest and most devastating wildfires in history, Mindful Mountain Ultrarunner Timothy Olson completed the entire trail in an astonishing 51 days, 16 hours and 55 minutes.

Almost no one finishes the Pacific Crest Trail

Although millions of people hike on portions of the trail, only about 800 to 1,000 people annually complete what's considered a true thru-hike: walking the entire trail from start to finish in a single summer.

You don't have to disappear for months to enjoy the Pacific Crest Trail. Most people are out for less than a week. The PCT provides for a rich lifetime of day, weekend and week-long trips.

The PCT has a way of wearing down the mind before the body, but all the hikers said that the beauty of the PCT was much greater and more inspiring than the AT.

This route can be accomplished during a long day, it requires Class 3 climbing as well as experience navigating unmarked terrain.

Generally, you should keep your food in a bear canister, or hang it using the counterbalance method. Hard-sided canisters are the most effective way to protect your food. They're the best choice for most of the trail. Problem is, they're heavy and bulky.

Montbell Convertible Rain Pants

Rain pants are not considered an essential item by all hikers, but if you're going to bring rain pants, you want them to be good rain pants (in case you didn't catch this when we were talking about rain jackets above).

The latest survey for 2017 showed a 52% drop-out rate* – based on 556 thru-hiking hopefuls who responded to the survey. Of these, the top 3 reasons for an early trail exit were: Injury (29%); Snow (14%), Fires (14%). *It's worth noting that the number of people who actually quit is far greater.

A shelter, rain gear, and a simple first aid kit along with some basic first aid knowledge can go a long way in helping you manage an unexpected situation. Something that is expected is hunger. And repackaging food before your trip can significantly decrease the amount of trash you'll have carry out.

Can you do the PCT in 4 months?

The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, runs 2650.10 miles through the states of California, Oregon and Washington. Spanning from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. It takes anywhere from four to six months of backpacking.

The BV500 is the most popular PCT bear canister according to the PCT Hiker Survey. It's made of polycarbonate (i.e. transparent blue plastic) and has a capacity of 11.5 liters.

What to look for: You must carry a bear canister that meets the regulations of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Inyo, Sierra and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, and in all of Yosemite and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. It also needs to be able to carry all of your food (the little ones can't, usually).

Generally, you can buy food every 4-10 days and save the effort and cost of resupply boxes. We recommend spending your money in the communities along the trail, shipping to a small number of remote locations and keeping it simple. Resupply – what and how to eat – is full of highly personal decisions.

Hiking Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass. By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington, Section K puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions.

A good goal is to try to keep most of your food above 100 calories per ounce. This way you'll be carrying only about 1.5 – 3.8 pounds of food per day (depending on your weight, miles per day, appetite, etc).

Josh Perry, a 27-year-old British endurance hiker, completed the Pacific Crest Trail on August 7th in just 55 days, 16 hours, and 54 minutes, breaking the self-supported speed record on the PCT previously set by Heather “Anish” Anderson in 2013.

“The John Muir Trail section of the Pacific Crest Trail is probably the most recommended section of the PCT,” he says. Visitors aiming for the Sierra can fly into Reno or San Francisco, or even Los Angeles, and make their way to the trail from there.

Most people over 10-20 miles a day, with a 16-mile-a-day average. Some days you'll walk more; some days you won't walk as much. Create a rough plan of where you'll be each week and each month, and consider the weather when planning.

The average thru-hiker spends $1,000 per month while hiking the PCT. I have met hikers who have spent upwards of $10,000 for the entire trail and hikers who have only spent $1,000 during their whole hike.

What percentage of hikers finish the PCT?

It is estimated the average completion rate is around 14%. While most hikers travel from the southern terminus at the Mexico–US border northward to Manning Park, British Columbia, some hikers prefer a southbound route.

Because of its steep climbs, the AT is considered to be physically more difficult than the PCT or CDT.

About 100 people successfully complete the 3,000-mile trail each year. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is younger than the famed Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), but the three are together known as the Triple Crown of hiking.