PCT Overview
So, what is a PCT...
PCT stands for Pacific Crest Trail, and is one on many trails within the US of A, but the only trail system on the west coast that runs uninterrupted from the Mexican Border (Campo, CA) to the Canadian Border in Washington. The most common exit point of the trail is Manning Park in Canada, about 8miles over the border. From there folks catch a bus back to civilisation, alternatively if you are unable to enter Canada you can hike back about 30 miles to a highway and hitch hike in Washington.
The trail passes through all of California, Oregon, and Washington and is approximately 2,650 miles in length, I say approx, because it changes as detours, re-routes and such intervene, nature is organic and as is the trail, closures due to fire for example will make each years hike a slightly different length. On top of this there are also a multitude of side and alternate routes that are fairly popular amongst hikers, some for example will be a similar length of trail, but might pass by a beautiful waterfall, which leaves the hiker with a choice.. stick to the official PCT trail, or see something beautiful. Its been said that aslong as you walk from border to border, you're doing the PCT and no need to get hung on which piece of dirt you walk on, for me I'll cross that 'bridge' when I get there. As of early 2013 about 2600 hikers have completed the PCT, and each year only about 35% of those starting will finish. 15% are forced off the trail due to injury, such as infection, feet problems, sickness, hypothermia, explosive dysentery, shin splints, the list goes on.. but you get the idea, the other 50% leave the trail due to personal reasons, family needs, money needs, they found what they needed to find or the trail just isn't fun anymore. After all, why go through the deprivation if you aren't enjoying the overall experience?
Fun Facts:
Highest Point: Forester Pass at 13,153ft
Lowest Point: Cascade Locks at 140ft
Overall Elevation Change: 420,880ft
First Person to Complete: Martin Papendick (before it was a trail), Eric Tyback (once trail established)
Fastest Person to Complete: Scott Williamson, 64 days with avg of 41miles per day
Average Time to Complete: 150 days
Youngest to Complete: Sierror Burror aged 9
Oldest to Complete: Unknown
First to Yo-Yo (hike trail both ways in one season): Scott Williamson taking 197 days
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the 3 trails that make up the "Triple Crown", the other trails are the "Appalachian Trail", that runs along the east coast, and the "Continental Divide Trail", that runs up the middle of the country, all three trails are mostly abbreviated to PCT, AT, and CDT.
PCT stands for Pacific Crest Trail, and is one on many trails within the US of A, but the only trail system on the west coast that runs uninterrupted from the Mexican Border (Campo, CA) to the Canadian Border in Washington. The most common exit point of the trail is Manning Park in Canada, about 8miles over the border. From there folks catch a bus back to civilisation, alternatively if you are unable to enter Canada you can hike back about 30 miles to a highway and hitch hike in Washington.
The trail passes through all of California, Oregon, and Washington and is approximately 2,650 miles in length, I say approx, because it changes as detours, re-routes and such intervene, nature is organic and as is the trail, closures due to fire for example will make each years hike a slightly different length. On top of this there are also a multitude of side and alternate routes that are fairly popular amongst hikers, some for example will be a similar length of trail, but might pass by a beautiful waterfall, which leaves the hiker with a choice.. stick to the official PCT trail, or see something beautiful. Its been said that aslong as you walk from border to border, you're doing the PCT and no need to get hung on which piece of dirt you walk on, for me I'll cross that 'bridge' when I get there. As of early 2013 about 2600 hikers have completed the PCT, and each year only about 35% of those starting will finish. 15% are forced off the trail due to injury, such as infection, feet problems, sickness, hypothermia, explosive dysentery, shin splints, the list goes on.. but you get the idea, the other 50% leave the trail due to personal reasons, family needs, money needs, they found what they needed to find or the trail just isn't fun anymore. After all, why go through the deprivation if you aren't enjoying the overall experience?
Fun Facts:
Highest Point: Forester Pass at 13,153ft
Lowest Point: Cascade Locks at 140ft
Overall Elevation Change: 420,880ft
First Person to Complete: Martin Papendick (before it was a trail), Eric Tyback (once trail established)
Fastest Person to Complete: Scott Williamson, 64 days with avg of 41miles per day
Average Time to Complete: 150 days
Youngest to Complete: Sierror Burror aged 9
Oldest to Complete: Unknown
First to Yo-Yo (hike trail both ways in one season): Scott Williamson taking 197 days
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the 3 trails that make up the "Triple Crown", the other trails are the "Appalachian Trail", that runs along the east coast, and the "Continental Divide Trail", that runs up the middle of the country, all three trails are mostly abbreviated to PCT, AT, and CDT.