Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), officially designated the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a long-distance hiking route running along the highest parts of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It runs from the U.S.–Mexico border near Campo, California north to the Canada–U.S. border, continuing unofficially to the Windy Joe Trail in Manning Park (British Columbia).
At full length it’s about 2,650 miles (4,270 km) and crosses California, Oregon, and Washington, with a route structure built around long wilderness stretches and few roads. Elevations range from roughly 110 feet (34 m) near the Bridge of the Gods on the Oregon–Washington border up to Forester Pass at 13,153 feet (4,009 m).
Terrain changes drive the day-to-day character: expect desert hiking early in the route, then sustained high-elevation work through the Sierra Nevada, followed by the Cascade Range and the remote North Cascades as you approach the northern terminus. This diversity is part of why most hikers plan for a multi-month hike rather than a single trip.
If you’re planning a through-hike, the standard rhythm is northbound (NOBO) with a late-April to late-September weather window in mind. Many thru-hikers take roughly 5 to 6 months to complete the entire trail, and the practical plan usually targets seasonal snow timing and enough daily miles to stay ahead of changing conditions.
Permits and quotas are a major part of planning for long-distance travel. A long-distance permit is required for covering 500+ miles, and start-date quotas are enforced for the southern border. Beyond the long-distance permit, additional area-specific permits can apply in protected locations along the route.
Logistics for resupply are built around hitting towns or post offices at intervals (often every 4 to 6 days) and using mail drops for food and fuel. Hikers also plan their schedule so each section is reachable before snow or weather makes it impassable, and many adjust strategy in the Sierra or Cascades if snowpack timing is off.
More information: Wikipedia, Pacific Crest Trail, The 12 Best Weekend Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail