What Is the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail?
First came the Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Next came the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), spanning the mountains from Mexico to Canada. Currently, there are fifteen National Scenic Trails, allowing adventuresome explorers to hike over the most beautiful areas of the United States. The idea for a trail on the west coast first came about in the 1920’s, but it was not until 1972 that all 2,638 miles of the trail were completed and hiked entirely for the first time. “If you have never gazed down on Crater Lake, reform! Visit it for your own good.” These were the words of J. Hazard in his 1946 book describing Pacific Crest Trail. At that time, Crater Lake was the finishing point on the Oregon Skyline trail. Today this 400 mile stretch from Mount Hood to Crater Lake is the oldest section of trail on the Pacific Crest Trail. Crater Lake is just one of seven national parks through which the PCT passes. Each of these parks has its own set of rules governing backcountry users.
