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10 FAQ About PCT Hiking in OR
It’s a brand new year, and many of us are starting to ponder where we’re going hiking this summer. Perhaps you’re thinking of hiking a portion of the PCT. Perhaps your very first hike on the PCT. In recent weeks, we’ve been getting lots of inquiries about hiking the PCT in Oregon this summer: where to go, when to start, what to expect. Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hiking the PCT thru Oregon.Â
1. How hard is it to hike the PCT in Oregon?
With a little stamina, endurance and conditioning, hiking the PCT in Oregon is not difficult. Most of the terrain along the PCT in Oregon is very mild to moderate—and hiking northbound is the easier direction, with most ascents being quite gradual with few steep sections. Campsites along the trail are fairly plentiful and easy to find, and there are several resorts near the trail for taking breaks, getting burgers and pizza, and resupplying. Some of the challenges in Oregon are finding water (see below), as there are a few long, dry stretches of trail, and many springs and creeks start to diminish by midsummer. This may require a little extra planning in order to help keep your water bottles full. Recent wildfires in Oregon have also done significant damage to the PCT in some areas, which may require scrambing over or around downed trees or snags, or doing a little route-finding where the trail may be hard to find. Otherwise, hiking thru Oregon is quite comfortable, with lots of shady forest, sparkling lakes and stunning volcanic peaks.
2. What permits do I need for hiking in Oregon?
2021 permit info coming soon!
3. When can I hike the PCT in Oregon?
Oregon’s PCT hiking season typically lasts from July to October. This is when the trail is generally clear of snow and the weather is mostly favorable. In recent years however, we have gotten hiking seasons that start as early as May, and others that haven’t started until August. This is highly dependent on the winter snowpack and the following spring weather. As such, we can’t really start guestimating when the season will start until well into spring—and then we keep our fingers crossed that Oregon’s Cascades don’t get any late spring snowstorms. Other factors to consider are mosquitoes and water. Early in the hiking season both mosquitoes and water are abundant, and wildflowers are usually at their peak. All of these start diminishing as summer progresses. Midsummer can get quite warm, and is when most thru-hikers are crossing Oregon, so trail traffic is usually heavier and popular camp locations more crowded. With good planning, late summer and early fall can be nice for PCT hiking in Oregon, as the crowds have passed and temps are cooler. Then it’s just up to you to weigh the pros and cons about when to go.
4. I want to hike ___ miles. Where should I go?
There are lots of options for hiking the PCT in Oregon, short and long. Here are some suggestions with easily accessible starting and ending points:
- @50 Miles: Section 4A:Â Willamette Pass to Elk Lake is 46 miles that skirts the Waldo Lake Wilderness and crosses the southern Three Sisters Wilderness. Section 6:Â Timberline Lodge to Cascade Locks is 50 miles that circuits Mt. Hood and crosses the Hatfield Wilderness. Section 3:Â Cascade Crest to Willamette Pass is 60 miles that crosses the Mt. Thielsen and Diamond Peak wilderness areas.
- @100 Miles: Section 4:Â Willamette Pass to Santiam Pass is 93 miles that skirts the Waldo Lake Wilderness and crosses the entire Three Sisters and Mt. Washington wilderness areas. Section 5:Â Santiam Pass to Timothy Lake is 96 miles that crosses the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and Warm Springs Indian Reservation and ends on Mt. Hood.
- @150+ Miles: Sections 1–2: Donomore Pass to Cascade Crest is 151 miles that crosses the Cascade–Siskiyou NM, Sky Lakes Wilderness and Crater Lake NP. Sections 3–4: Cascade Crest to Santiam Pass is 154 miles that crosses the Mt. Thielsen, Diamond Peak, Three Sisters and Mt. Washington wilderness areas.
Find more information about all of Oregon’s PCT sections in the guidebook, Hiking the PCT: Oregon, then customize a hiking plan that’s suitable for you.
5. Where can I camp on the PCT?
With a few exceptions, and following a few guidelines, you can camp anywhere you find a flat spot along the PCT. Popular locations, such as trailheads, water sources and viewpoints often have campsites nearby. In addition, there are several developed campgrounds on or near the PCT for convenient camping. A few areas require special camping permits (as noted above), and a few short stretches cross private property (e.g., near Mt. Ashland) where camping is not permitted. It is best to use already impacted campsites that adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) practices. There are many other primitive campsites along the trail that may not adhere to LNT, and it’s up to your own judgment whether to use or not to use these. For more info on PCT camping, visit our Camping Page.
6. Where can I find water on the PCT?
Acquiring fresh water on the PCT in Oregon can be challenging in some areas, particularly in the southern regions. This may require you to detour off the PCT to local lakes, streams or springs. These water sources can range from a few hundred yards up to a mile off the trail. Many of these water sources make good places to camp. There are a few extra-long waterless stretches of PCT—up to 24 miles!—where you should carry extra water, especially if you plan to dry camp in between. In some of these long stretches, local volunteer groups may maintain water caches for PCT hikers—but you should not depend on these! These caches often run out during peak season. Also, many of the small springs on or near the PCT are seasonal at best, and may run dry later in the summer. Check the PCT Water Report before you head out to see if there might be any issues.
7. What kind of gear do I need to hike the PCT?
In a nutshell, you need everything necessary to keep you warm, safe, comfortable and fed for however long you plan to be on trail. Start with the Ten Essentials. These are a selection of items every hiker should carry for personal safety in the wilderness. This includes a water filtration system, first aid kit, rain gear, light source, etc. Next, a good pair of hiking footwear (and socks) that can handle a variety of terrain, including dirt, rock, lava, mud and perhaps snow. A sturdy shelter and a good sleep system (bag and pad) are also recommended, as good sleep ensures good hiking. You should plan to carry enough food for every day you’re on the trail—plus a little more, just in case of an unplanned delay. A few creature comforts—such as treats or small personal items—can add to your enjoyment, and serve as rewards or pick-me-ups on the difficult days. And finally, a comfortable backpack to carry it all in. You should test all of your gear and get acquainted with it before you get on the trail. Check out our Gear Shop for some of our favorite trail-tested PCT gear.
8. Who can help me with my PCT hike?
Hiking the PCT, whether in part or in whole, is a personal journey. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that you have a ride to your starting point, someone to pick you up at your ending point, and all the logistics in between (resupplies, camping, lodging, etc.) planned ahead of time. If you decide to wing it and hit the trail with no plans in place, you may have difficulty purchasing stove fuel, finding a campsite, or getting a ride from the trail into town. Stores near the trail often run out of popular supplies during the busy summer travel season, and campgrounds and lodges often get reserved far in advance. And even though hitchhiking is legal in Oregon, many people are hesitant to pick up dirty backpackers hanging out on the side of the highway.
In 2021, there may be additional logistical challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. Hikers should plan to adhere to all of Oregon’s COVID safety measures. Visit the state’s COVID Info Page for more information, and check back here for related updates.
9. Are there any ongoing trail closures?
In fall of 2020, the devastating Lionshead Fire ravaged the Mount Jefferson area. As of now, it is unknown how the fire has impacted the PCT through Jefferson Park and nearby areas. Check back later for updated information. At the turn of the new year, the USFS reopened the Eagle Creek Trail, which was heavily damaged in a 2017 wildfire. This popular alternate route from Wahtum Lake to the Columbia River Gorge descends a deep, lush canyon and passes several of Oregon’s most spectacular waterfalls. Shortly after reopening, the trail was closed again due to a landslide triggered by heavy rain and high winds. Check back later for updated information. The remainder of the PCT in Oregon is expected to be accessible as normal. Once the hiking season gets under way, you can visit our Conditions Page for the latest trail updates and information.
10. What is your advice for first-time PCT hikers?
You do not need to be anxious about hiking the PCT in Oregon. It is a very approachable hike. That said, you should choose your PCT hike for the hiker you are, not the hiker you want to be. Review the mileage and elevation gain/loss of the section(s) you want to hike and build an itinerary that falls within your current ability. Once you get on the trail and find your comfort zone, you can adjust as necessary.
Don’t be intimidated by experienced hikers who brag about big miles and insist on the latest ultralight gear. You’re hiking the PCT for yourself, not for anyone else, so make it your own. You don’t have to break the bank on the newest high-tech gear, and you don’t have to live off peanut butter tortillas and energy gels. Take the trail as easy as you like, and follow the motto, “Hike your own hike.”
Get acquainted with your gear and trail menu, and make sure you’re comfortable with your selections. Practice setting up your tent in case you need to do it quickly in a storm. Break in your boots, test your rain gear for leaks and make sure you have the correct stove fuel. Sample your trail menu at home before committing to food you may not like when it’s the only thing you may have to eat for days—or weeks!
Know before you go! Before heading for the trail, check the latest weather, water, trail and fire conditions. You can find links and seasonal updates for most of these topics on our Conditions Page. Being properly prepared means you’re ready to handle a variety of situations on trail, but you should not put yourself—or others!—at risk. If in doubt, bow out, and consider an alternative hiking plan.
Got more questions?
Leave a question below and we’ll be happy to assist. Or, send us an email. Happy hiking!
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Hi, I just started my planning to hike southern section of Oregon–book and map arrived this week. A lot of terrific information. I am aiming to do sections 1 and 2 for sure and maybe section 3 ( depending how quickly I am moving). Based on your experience, and what you know about this years snowfall, is a June 5th start date too ambitious/dangerous? I know the northern sections are generally higher elev and mountainous but from what I’m reading about the south, it looks less dicey. I am an experienced hiker and backpacker but, admittedly, not a lot of snow hiking experience. Any advice and resource recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!
EM sent.