About Pacific Crest Trail
Take a hike on a legend! The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, stretching from Mexico to Canada, passes through this 43-mile segment in the Cascade Mountains. Explore this area’s unique and diverse ecosystems as the trail meanders through wildflower-strewn meadows, old growth forests, and juniper-covered hillsides. Opportunities abound to take in scenic views of Mount Shasta, Pilot Rock, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Hyatt Lake, Howard Prairie Lake, and Mount McLoughlin. The trail provides access to Pilot Rock, Hobart Bluff, Soda Mountain Wilderness, and Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Terrain ranges from easy to moderately challenging, depending on the direction of travel.Know Before You GoOpen year-round; snow may make the trail impassable for hikers.The Pacific Crest Trail is open to hiking and stock use only.Scattered parcels of private land are interspersed with BLM lands and at times the trail passes through private lands with permission of the land owners. Please stay on the trail when passing through private land.Point of InterestThe Pacific Crest Trail is maintained with help from the Pacific Crest Trail Association and community volunteers.
How to Get There
With many access points available, the easiest access to the trail is at Greensprings Summit. From Interstate 5, take Exit 14 near Ashland. Turn east on Highway 66 toward Klamath Falls. Take Highway 66 for 17 miles to the trailhead and parking area at Greensprings Summit. From there, follow the trail north to Hyatt Lake (6 miles) or south to Soda Mountain, Hobart Bluff, and Pilot Rock (12 miles).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Pacific Crest Trail
Heading to Pacific Crest Trail? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Pacific Crest Trail?
No central reservation system listed for Pacific Crest Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16607) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pacific Crest Trail?
With many access points available, the easiest access to the trail is at Greensprings Summit. From Interstate 5, take Exit 14 near Ashland. Turn east on Highway 66 toward Klamath Falls. Take Highway 66 for 17 miles to the trailhead and parking area at Greensprings Summit. From there, follow the trail north to Hyatt Lake (6 miles) or south to Soda Mountain, Hobart Bluff, and Pilot Rock (12 miles).
How do I contact Pacific Crest Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-618-2200 or email: BLM_OR_MD_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
