Trail Highlights and Challenges:

• Southern Sierra (Walker Pass – Kennedy Meadows, ~ 50.1 miles, 8,995ft elevation gain 

  • Entering the Wilderness: Descend from Walker Pass (5,246 ft.) into the roadless Chimney Peak Wilderness, offering solitude and diverse plant life. (SOE: Easy to moderate, dry climate)
  • The Climb to Cottonwood Pass: Gain 3,300 ft. in elevation as you approach the majestic High Sierra. (SOE: Moderate to challenging)

Kern River Canyon

• The High Sierra (Kennedy Meadows – Tuolumne Meadows, ~290 miles

  • John Muir Trail Junction (Sequoia National Park): Hike alongside the famed John Muir Trail, with the option to summit majestic Mount Whitney (14,494 ft.) (Mileage: ~11 miles detour to Mount Whitney) (SOE: Challenging, permits required)
  • High Passes and Alpine Lakes: Brace yourself for a series of challenging passes exceeding 11,000 ft., including the highest – Forester Pass (13,153 ft.). Be rewarded with breathtaking alpine lakes and meadows teeming with wildflowers. (SOE: Challenging, proper gear and permits required)
  • Yosemite National Park: Descend into the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley, with its iconic waterfalls like Half Dome and El Capitan. (Mileage: ~25 miles to Yosemite Valley) (SOE: Moderate to challenging)

Tuolumne River Yosemite National Park

• Northern Sierra (Tuolumne Meadows – Lake Tahoe, ~150 miles):

  • Volcanic Landscapes: Witness the influence of volcanic activity as the trail traverses Sonora Pass and Echo Summit, offering unique geological formations. (SOE: Moderate)
  • Lush Forests and Diverse Wildlife: Hike through vibrant forests nourished by volcanic soils, spotting abundant wildlife like deer, black bears, and various bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway. (SOE: Moderate)
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park: Explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park and potentially glimpse the active Mount Lassen (10,457 ft.). (Mileage: ~20 miles through Lassen Volcanic National Park) (SOE: Moderate)

Northern California ( Echo Summit – I 70 feather river crossing ~ 194 miles)

• Desolation Wilderness: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Desolation Wilderness, characterized by its granite peaks, alpine lakes, and serene forests.
• Granite Chief Wilderness: Traverse the rugged terrain of the Granite Chief Wilderness, with its towering granite domes and challenging climbs.
• Alpine Lakes and Meadows: Encounter numerous alpine lakes, perfect for swimming or simply taking in the stunning views. The meadows come alive with wildflowers in the summer months.
• High-Altitude Passes: Prepare to ascend and descend several high-altitude passes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Volcanic Influence: The volcanic history of the region is evident in the unique rock formations and geothermal features. You may encounter steaming vents, hot springs, and colorful mineral deposits.
• River Crossings: The Feather River and its tributaries offer scenic river crossings, but be prepared for potential challenges, especially during high water periods.
• Lush Forests and Diverse Wildlife: Hike through vibrant forests nourished by volcanic soils, spotting abundant wildlife like deer, black bears, and various bird species migrating along the Pacific Flyway. (SOE: Moderate)

• Deep River Canyons of the Feather

The Rest of California Subduction Zone into the Cascades 

 

As you continue north from the Feather River, the PCT begins its transition from the Sierra Nevada to the Cascade Range. This section offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes, dense forests, and alpine meadows. At this point hikers have another 405 miles to the Oregon border and 1375 miles to Canada. Their journey will drastically change.  

Scenic Overlook Lassen Volcanic

• Lassen Volcanic National Park: Explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park and potentially glimpse the active Mount Lassen (10,457 ft.). (Mileage: ~20 miles through Lassen Volcanic National Park) (SOE: Moderate)
• The Hat Creek Rim: The trail follows the arid Hat Creek Rim, offering sweeping views of the Cascade Range. The iconic Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano, dominates the skyline.
• The Sacramento River Crossing: The PCT descends from the mountains and crosses the Sacramento River, marking the transition to the coastal mountain ranges.
• Castle Crags State Park and Trinity Alps Wilderness: The trail winds through the stunning scenery of Castle Crags State Park and the Trinity Alps Wilderness, with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and pristine lakes.
• The Klamath Mountains: The PCT ascends into the Klamath Mountains, a rugged range known for its diverse ecosystems and unique geology.
• The Oregon Border: The trail culminates at the Oregon border, near Siskiyou Summit, marking the end of the Sierra Nevada section and the beginning of the Cascade Range.
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• Forest Landscapes: Hike through dense forests of pine, fir, and cedar, providing shade and respite from the sun.
• Alpine Lakes and Meadows: As you gain elevation, you’ll encounter alpine lakes and meadows, offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.