Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail triangle sign logo features the silhouette of an evergreen tree against a green background with white mountains.

 

Established: October 2, 1968
Managing Nonprofit: Pacific Crest Trail Association
Managing Agency: USDA Forest Service

 

Map of the PCT from the USDA Forest Service brochure includes photos and points of interest along the trail.

PCNST Map from the USDA Forest Service PCNST brochure. Image courtesy USDAFS.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST) was one of the first two  trails, along with the Appalachian NST, to receive a National Trail designation as part of the passage of the 1968 National Trails System Act. The Trail passes through desert at its south end; winds through mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada, Klamath, and Cascades; traverses six national parks including Yosemite; and explores the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The PCNST is one of three trails that a person has to thru-hike to earn the title of “Triple Crowner”. The other two “Triple Crown” trails are the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

Southern Terminus: US-Mexico border just south of Campo, California

Northern Terminus: US-Canada border near Ross Lake, Washington

The PCNST runs more than 2600 miles from the US-Mexico border to the Canadian border through three states: California, Oregon, and Washington.