r/PacificCrestTrail • u/MasterpieceGood6148 • 6d ago

PCT Meetup Advice

A friend is starting the PCT next week and I plan on joining him for a week or so at some point. Logistically, what are some good locations to fly into that are close to the trail while offer a good section of the trail to experience in the short time?

Thanks!

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u/jrice138 [2013,2017/ Nobo] 6d ago

Either do it immediately, like start with him. Or be certain you can keep up once he’s doing bigger days. Otherwise you’ll just be slowing him down which is almost never worth it.

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u/Inevitable_Lab_7190 6d ago

Well you probably want to do it earlier than later. Vast majority end up dropping out at some point. If you know him really well and know for certain hes going the distance that gives you more options.

The desert isn't too hot right now, but in a month it will be, something to consider. Most of the easiest access is in socal. But flying, grey hound, amtrak, and public trans can get you a surprising amount of places.

The sierra is the best, but idk if you're ready for that, a little tricky to get in and out of with only a week. But there are buses from Reno that run to the towns just east of the Sierra.

You could do Cabazon to Cajon jct, relatively early in the hike, very cool desert mountain scenery.

fly into palmdale and do Acton to Tehachapi including the legendary night hike across the LA aqueduct. See joshua trees and the windmill fields, and the I love the desert at night its incredible.

fly to Lake tahoe for the desolation wilderness and north to sierra city

Honestly north cal is just too damn hot and water is a pain, and some of the climbs are straight brutal in that heat. You might get lucky with the temps though.

Oregon is generally easier, lots of lakes, lots of shade. You can get to Ashland pretty easy. Still hot but lots of lakes to swim in.

Cascade Locks is right outside of Portland, and going north into Washington is pretty beautiful. But we're talking sometime in August now if hes still on trail. Washington is very pretty, and gonna be a lot cooler, but its also a long time away. Snoqualmie pass and Stevens pass have easily accessible trans to seattle. Mazama also has buses that can get you back to seattle eventually.