Hiking the PCT: Northern California

Features

From the preeminent outdoor publisher in the West come the latest volumes in this new, unparalleled series of guidebooks to the region’s most famous trail.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail meanders north from California’s border with Mexico to the entrance of Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia, on the Washington State–Canada border. It’s a rigorous trail that has evolved since its earliest envisioning in 1926 to encompass approximately 2,650 miles of rich and varied terrain, traveling through some of the West Coast’s most beautiful country. It inspires hikers of all ages and abilities to imagine the ultimate wilderness journey.

The Southern California and Northern California guides of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail complete the four-volume set written for hikers planning to just tackle the trail sections in their nearby region, those who will chip away at pieces of the whole trail over a lifetime, or trekkers who set out in the SoCal desert and charge all the way to Canada.

Unlike other PCT guidebooks, this series focuses on section hikers, who make up the vast majority of adventurers on the trail. Only a handful of folks complete a thru-hike of the trail in one trip, but the trail’s popularity continues to grow. In 2015, long-distance hikers and horseback riders from all 50 states and 34 countries were issued permits to vacation on parts of the PCT. It is one of the seminal bucket list items for outdoor lovers, whether that means completing just your own state . . . and then the next . . . and then the next . . . or as far as your dreams will take you.

These are lushly attractive guidebooks--good reads and gorgeous to page through to boot—but they also offer invaluable hiking beta. Each volume focuses on section-by-section routes in each state (or region), and provides important details to help hikers plan and organize multi-night backpacks. Here’s what’s included with each expertly written guidebook:

• Trail sections that promote 4- to 10-night trips.
• Smaller section legs allowing for easier planning and trail-time management.
• Detailed camp-to-camp route descriptions.
• Easy-to-understand route maps.
• Clear references to the PCT’s established system of section letters, designating trail segments from south to north, Mexico to Canada, so hikers can easily cross reference other trail resources.
• Details on specific campsites.
• Most reliable water sources.
• Access to and from various trail sections.
• Info on permits, hazards, restrictions, and more.
• Alternate routes and connecting trails.
• Key wilderness sights along the way.
• Suggested itineraries.