Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
12,416.00 ft (3,784.40 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
61.70 mi (99.30 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section R is a 61.7-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Seiad Valley to Highway 5 (near Ashland, OR). This section heads north from Seiad Valley and traverses across the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountains. It climbs for about 8 miles from Seiad Valley, then stays between 5,000 and 7000 feet for most of the section, rolling through dense forest.

For northbound thru-hikers, this section crosses into Oregon and completes the entire state of California. After crossing the state line, it goes into Oregon and ends at Interstate 5. The PCT is multi-use, and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Seiad Valley

15.00 - Cook and Green Pass Trailhead

33.00 - Wards Fork Gap

35.00 - California / Oregon Border

42.00 - Wrangle Gap

45.00 - Siskiyou Divide 20

51.00 - Grouse Gap Trailhead

54.00 - Mount Ashland Ski Area  / Mount Ashland Road

61.70 - Interstate 5

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/

HALFMILE MAPS

Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. 

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Klamath National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/klamath/recarea/?recid=82471

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

4

Pros

Cross state lines. Scenic Views.

Cons

Lots of road crossings.

Trailhead Elevation

1,372.00 ft (418.19 m)

Highest point

7,061.00 ft (2,152.19 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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