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. If possible, obtain a permit for backcountry camping from the Steel Information Center at Park Headquarters. If this is not possible, however, PCT through hikers are granted an exemption from the requirement that all backcountry users must be in possession of a permit.

Getting Even Closer to the Lake

PCT hikers have always been able to explore vast areas of volcanic landscape in Crater Lake National Park; however, they could get a view of the lake only by leaving the trail and entering the developed Rim Village area. As of June, 1995, a new trail opened known as the PCT alternate which brings hikers right up to the rim of Crater Lake. Coming from the north, the trail leaves the old trail at the Grouse Hill junction with the North Entrance road. The trail parallels the road up to North Junction where it follows the rim of the caldera, offering spectacular views of the lake for 6 miles all the way to Discovery Point. From there, the trail descends back down the Dutton Creek trail to rejoin the old trail.

Backcountry Regulations

No pets are permitted in the backcountry, including the PCT within Crater Lake National Park. Although materials and information distributed by the Pacific Crest Trail conference will state that pets are al lowed on all segments of the PCT, pets are not allowed on any section of the trail in Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks.

Stock are not permitted on the new PCT alternate trail. Access to the rim for stock remains via the Lightning Springs trail. You must bring sufficient feed for your animals. Grazing is prohibited within the park.

Camp at designated camp spots to reduce impact on the park's natural resources: Grouse Hill, Red Cone, Lightning Springs and Dutton Creek. No camping is permitted on the PCT alternate. Camp spots are located at either end of the alternate at Dutton Creek and Grouse Hill.

Showers and Supplies

For those in need of showers or supplies, there is a fee camp ground at the southern end of the park. The area is called Mazama Village and can be reached from the PCT by taking the Annie Springs cutoff below Dutton Creek.

Postal Services

Mail can be sent to the Crater Lake Post Office at Park Headquarters located 3 miles down from Rim Village on the Park Entrance road or on foot via the 1 mile Raven Trail leaving from behind Crater Lake Lodge. Mail will be kept for two weeks. If you cannot arrive in time to pick up mail, let the post office know. Mail cannot be picked up on Sundays or after 4:00 p.m. Do not mail perishables. You may not mail liquid stove fuel. Send mail, supplies to: Your Name, C/o General Delivery, PCT Hiker, Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, *Please hold until (date).

You are welcome to mail non-perishable items from Crater Lake for a future drop-off point. On the mailing label, please write: Your Name General Delivery Post Office City, State ZIP

The packages may not exceed 108 inches in length and girth or weigh more than 70 pounds each. All PCT hiker boxes must have a return address.

Day Hiking the PCT in Crater Lake National Park

You can hike portions of the PCT within the park on day hikes. It is not a loop trail so hikers will backtrack to their vehicles. A long day hike is possible; however, to do this, hikers need to have two vehicles. The PCT crosses Highway 62 south of the Annie Springs Entrance en route to Medford. It crosses the North Entrance Road in the Pumice Desert Area. The total day hike covers 17 miles.

Distances between points in the park:
Highway 62 to Dutton Creek Trail Junction: 2.1 miles
Dutton Creek Trail Junction to Lightning Springs Trail Junction: 4.2 miles
Lightning Springs Trail Junction to North Entrance Road: 11.6 miles

Average hiking time one way (Highway 62 to North Entrance Road): 7.5 to 8 hours

Possible Water Sources

Water is scarce in Crater Lake's backcountry. These sources are possibilities but may well be dry by late July or early August. Hikers should carry at least one gallon of water across the Crater Lake terrain.

Possible water sources include Red Cone Springs, Lightning Springs, major branches of Dutton Trapper, Bybee, North Copeland, and South Copeland Creeks.

More Pacific Crest Trail Information

You can receive free information concerning the entire trail by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
P.O. Box 1907
Santa Ana, California 92702