Fewer than 200 hikers finish the PCT each year.
About 5 percent
of thru hikers walk north to south, considered the more challenging direction.
How many people hike the Pacific Northwest Trail each year?
While only
700-800
make the attempt each year, about sixty percent of those actually finish. And, according to the PCTA, there are 57 really intense people out there who have walked the whole thing more than once. Mary Beth Griggs is a freelance science journalist based in New York City.
How many people hike the Pacific Northwest Trail?
In most cases, the paths that connect to form the Pacific Northwest Trail existed on the ground long before the concept of the PNT was first conceived.
Upwards of 50 people thru-hike it each year
, and that number is steadily growing. Maps of the route are available for free download on our Maps page.
What percentage of hikers finish the PCT?
PCT Thru-hiker Completion Percentages
The highest completion percentage?
Thirty-four percent
(34%) in 2014.
What is the hardest section of the PCT?
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.
Is it safe to hike the PCT alone?
Trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail are
great places to start if you are new to solo hiking
. There was rarely a day when I didn’t see people or camp at night with someone. You can choose how much you engage in community and solitude, how much you want to remove yourself from society.
Is hiking the PCT worth it?
As hard as hiking the PCT will be,
it’s 100% worth it
. The Pacific Crest Trail is notorious for having the lowest completion rate of any long-distance trail and you’ll see why when you’re on it. If you’re planning to hike the PCT, it takes commitment. Don’t give up on yourself too quickly when the going gets tough.
How long does it take to hike the PCT?
The trail is 2,650 miles and it generally takes the entire snow-free season to walk. That’s
about 5 months
. Elite athletes who are experienced on the PCT have finished the trail in as little as two months. The few who achieve sub-100 day hikes average well over 30 miles per day.
How many people have completed the PNT?
Approximately
60-65
people have completed a thru-hike of the PNT in each of the past three years (2015, 2016, and 2017).
When should I start the PNT?
Typically, Pacific Northwest Trail thru-hikers begin in Glacier National Park from
mid June to mid July
(dependent on snow level on the passes), and head west hiking an average of 20 miles per day, planning to finish by mid September.
How long is the PNW trail?
The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) travels
1,200 miles
through Montana, Idaho, and Washington from near the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
How much does it cost to hike the PNT?
On average, most Pacific Northwest Trail thru-hikers spend
$1,800 to $4,000
on their adventure, not including the cost of new gear and transportation to and from the trail. This works out to an average of $28 to $59 dollars per day for the 70 days it takes most people to thru-hike the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Why do people do long distance hiking?
Hikers were
motivated by the challenge and the feeling of success, as well as the desire to know the boundaries and getting to know themselves
. In addition to this, there were individuals to whom long-distance hike gave identity and meaning to their lives.
How do I prepare for the PCT trail?
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.
Where is resupply PCT?
- Campo (mile 1.4)
- Lake Morena (mile 20)
- Mount Laguna (mile 41.5)
- Julian (mile 77.3)
- Banner (mile 77.3)
- Stagecoach Trail RV Park (mile 77.3)
- Montezuma Valley Market (mile 101.2)
- Warner Springs (mile 109.5)
Can a beginner hike the PCT?
While
it is possible to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in either direction
, the vast majority of backpackers start at the southernmost trailhead in Campo, California and hike north to Canada. Only about 10% of all thru-hikers start at the opposite end at the Manning Park trailhead, in British Columbia.
Is at or PCT harder?
Physical Difficulty. Many people assume that the PCT is the harder of the two trails because it goes so much higher in elevation. The PCT has a highest point of 13,153′ versus the AT’s measly 6,643′. While high altitude itself can pose some difficulties, the truth is that
the AT is way steeper than the PCT
.
Is it easy to get lost on PCT?
Getting lost can be a stressful ordeal or a real threat.
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.
What is a Pee rag?
What is a pee rag? A pee rag is
a reusable option to wipe after you pee – and only after you pee
. It’s not for poop!
Are there bears on PCT?
In California, the bear population has grown from about 10,000 in the 1980s to around 35,000 now. Their range has also expanded. In places where you didn’t use to worry about bears getting your food, there are now bears.
Bears are at home in the mountains of the PCT from the southern deserts to the northern border
.
Is there cell service on the PCT?
Cell phone coverage on the Pacific Crest Trail varies according to your service provider. According to the USDA Forest Service,
thru-hikers have cell phone coverage roughly 70% of the time
.
Why people quit the PCT?
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.
Is the Pacific Crest Trail pretty?
The Pacific Crest Trail is
majestically beautiful
. It roams through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Are there Grizzlies on the PCT?
So, are there grizzly bears on the Pacific Crest Trail?
Yes, there are still technically grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) on the PCT
, your chances of coming across one are slim to none.
How many miles does the average person walk per day on the PCT?
The average thru-hiker will take about five months to walk the entire trail, averaging
20-plus miles
a day after factoring in rest days.
Can you hike the PCT with a dog?
Dogs are allowed on much, but not all of the PCT
. Generally, they need to be on leash. The regulations affecting you and your dog vary depending on the agency that manages the stretch of the trail. There are no PCT-specific dog regulations.
What is the fastest someone has hiked the PCT?
After running 2,650 miles in just 51 days, ultra-runner
Timothy Olson
is claiming a new speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail, the wilderness path that stretches from the Mexican border to Canada. Olson reached the northern terminus late Thursday night after 51 days, 16 hours and 55 minutes.
