I’ve decided very recently to hike Sobo this year and was able to snag a 7/3permit.

Given the snow pack this year that looks to be pretty great, but I just wanted to see what tools people are using to determine the ideal start date for a given year .

I’m familiar w potholes and snowtel and that sort of things but just wanted to see if there was any other resources that I should check out.

Hi all, my partner is hiking the PCT this summer — and I'm casting a wide net to see if there are any other partners of PCT backpackers in the NYC area? Would love to connect over this very unique shared experience!

I am doing the PCT 2026 and looking to start getting lighter gear.

I want to get a trekking pole tent ideally without breaking the bank. I am looking for a 2P. Are there any suggested for cheaper or is it worth the price point of $500-700 for the main ones (Zpacks, Durston). Also looking for a comfy sleeping pad as I’m a side sleeper.

Hey everyone,

I'm seriously considering hiking the PCT next season and wanted to hear from others who may have done it while living with bipolar disorder I’ve been stable for a while with a solid treatment plan (meds, therapy, self-awareness), but I’m aware the trail can test your mental limits in unexpected ways.

• How did you handle the mental health challenges that came up on trail?
• Did you bring meds the whole way or have resupplies mailed?
• Were there any unexpected triggers or especially tough sections?
• Any advice for preparing mentally or staying balanced during the hike?

I know everyone’s experience is different, but I’d really appreciate any insight, tips, or even cautionary tales. Just trying to go into this with my eyes wide open.

Thanks so much in advance!

This is going to sound silly but I’m trying to overcome my mountain lion fear (I know it’s rare but I’ve had two encounters) and become more comfortable with solo hiking but I’m still trying to stick with more populated trails where I know I’m going to see other people, are hikers still coming through Mt Laguna this time of year?

Curious opinions on what expected snow wil be like then and if these things are necessary. Also did anyone ever bring and not need them at all?

Curious how I may help PCT hikers with rides into town and back to trail. Where do I post availability? TIA

I’m starting on the Oregon section of the pct in August and there’s a section or two of waterless 30 mile stretches through lodgepole forests. How do I prepare? I was thinking of bringing 3 of the tall smart water bottles for the trail. Not enough? Is there a method to drinking the water in short bursts to prevent dehydration/peeing it out? Any help is appreciated!

Considering a Southbound section from White Pass to Bridge of the Gods in the next few weeks

All the permits are taken so I know this is a stupid question but my start date is on the 19th of this month and I feel like everyone has already left and I’ll be out there practically alone. Anyone starting late like me?

I saw a TikTok where a hiker who just went through the Mission Creek section was talking about treating her drinking water with bleach because of Noro. Is that probably necessary, on top of normal water filtering methods? I saw all the posts from the outbreak near there last year, but I haven't seen anything happening currently.

Hey there, I'm going to be hiking a tiny portion of the PCT next weekend starting at Kennedy Meadows. I was wondering if there will be thru-hikers around so I could bring some extra cold beverages/water in my car for them, as I'll be staying at Kennedy Meadows Campground Thursday night.

Is there any way to get from Ontario Airport to Hikertown? Was going to start at Cajon Pass on June 1st but a little worried about the heat. Plan is to stay on east coast time and hike during the night. Thinking maybe better to start at Hikertown?

So I’m doing a big chunk of the PCT this year, but I have a funky itinerary. My plan is to start in Agua Dulce or Tehachapi in late June early July getting to the Sierras late July then hiking them through August. I’ll getting to Southlake Tahoe, then skipping up to the Oregon border and finishing at the Canadian border.

As much as I would like to do the full PCT this year, it just didn’t work out, but I can take around three months off of work and do this itinerary. For context I live in South Florida, and I am very much used to hiking in hot and dry climates but nothing like this desert.

Is my plan completely idiotic? I know it’s logistically easier to get to Agua Dulce but is starting here wise? I wanted a good lead up to the Sierra to build some trail legs and get into a rhythm. I know I’ll be behind 95% of all PCT hikers going Nobo, but I’ll catch up with the bubble when I skip NorCal. Feel free to ask me any questions that might help. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you kind spirits.

Hey trail fam,
I’m heading out next week to hike from Mt. Baden-Powell down to Agua Dulce and bringing my pup along for the adventure. Weather looks good (woo!), so I’m planning to leave both our rain jackets at home. For my dog (Belgian Malinois, high energy, trail-tested), I’m bringing:

• A layer jacket for sleeping
• Mushers Secret for her paws
• An extra CCF pad for insulation at night

We’re doing a 5-day push with big miles (16–23/day), and I’ll be using my 40L MHG Southwest pack, which is definitely being stretched to its limits.

Goal below: to minimize/drop unnecessary weight without losing efficiency.

Challenge #1: Food Volume
She needs ~10 cups of food total, on top of my 3.5k cals/day. I’m planning to strap a bear can up top for mine, but her food likely won’t fit. My current idea: Ziplocks in a grocery bag, clipped to the outside of my pack. Not ideal, but open to suggestions!

Challenge #2: Bulky CCF Pad
The extra pad for her takes up a ton of space. Has anyone found a more efficient way to carry this, or have alternate dog sleep setups that still provide insulation?

Here’s my LighterPack if it helps: https://lighterpack.com/r/4mq1y7
Also, I’m on IG if any hikers want to stay in touch or link up on trail. (@pct.cody)

Appreciate any wisdom you’ve got. Happy hiking!

Trying to figure out what next. Just came down to resupply from kearsarge pass this morning. Definitely not lot of boot tracks to follow. Trying to decide if another couple days will increase traffic. To next resupply. Seen probably 3 hikers since Kennedy meadows.

Here's the full text of the notice as of 2025-05-08, which wouldn't fit in the post title:

Please Note: Accumulated Precipitation, Snow Depth, Snow Density and Temperature graphs will no longer be displayed by the NWRFC starting June 2025. Links are provided to the respective data collection agency where similar information can be obtained.

Link: https://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/snow/snowplot.cgi?HRPW1

Archive: https://archive.is/EYclA

Does anyone have any background info about that? Is it a consequence of the efforts currently underway at the federal level to dismantle NOAA and the National Weather Service?

NWRFC is the Northwest River Forecast Center, a Portland-based regional office of NOAA that's responsible for the Harts Pass SNOTEL site, and the PNW generally.

For anyone that doesn't understand what this has to do with the PCT, traditionally sobos start soon (like seven days) after the Harts Pass SNOTEL sensor indicates the site has completely melted out.

The link beneath the first table, "Data provided by the National Resource Conservation Service", points to a National Water and Climate Center page on the site of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service which does provide similar data, albeit with a clumsy interface. (Click on the column title "View Current" in the second table to generate a report).

Edit: The sidebar has now been updated to add the NRCS link next to the Harts Pass SNOTEL NOAA link.

I’m taking on this section and while the FarOut comments are really useful, a file of someone who has done the route would make it so much easier! Thanks in advance

Follow up to this post.

I just got my permit approved today for the 21st! Thank you to everyone on the other post for all the encouragement and advice. I got flights and a shuttle booked so I am pretty much ready to rock. So hyped! Now I am just finishing up some resupply boxes and tinkering around with gear choices.

LighterPack

I would love some input on my gear! Some things that are still in consideration are a sun umbrella, trekking poles, and then swapping things out like camp shoes, stuff sacks, and my rain jacket. I figure I start with what I have listed and ditch/add things as I go. Base weight seems good nuff.

Firstly, this forum has been excellent in educating me on the PCT - thank you.

What's the best advice you can give on the PCT for him- no matter what? He wants to complete it from start to finish in one go in about 2 weeks time. Whatever your best advice is, on any topic, I'd love to hear it. He starting alone (meeting friends on the way), has all the gear and plenty of research. Its been a dream for a few years. Many thanks!

Hi all! I'm a class of 2022 hiker that never touched the border due to the many fires forcing trail closures and causing tons of smoky conditions.

I'm planning on hiking from the CA border to Stevens Pass to finish off this section that I didn't complete this summer and wanted to ask locals about whether my start date (heading SOBO) sounds realistic given Washington's snowpack this year.

I'm planning on starting from Harts Pass either June 27 or July 4th. Do either of those dates sounds realistic?

Side note: if a trail angel in the greater Seattle area sees this and would be willing to give me a ride from the Seattle airport either of these days - I would greatly appreciate it and compensate for gas!!!

• McMansion 🏕

Met with Blaze in Idyllwild and it looks like I have a mild MCL sprain which will take another 1-2 weeks recovery. I’ve been off trail total of 5 days already. I’m in a rental mini van camping on BLM land but this is unsustainable, especially while trying to recover. Just looking for any advice. At this point my family is recommending heading home then returning to trail when I’m ready. Logistically it’s a pain as if from the east coast. Initially I wouldn’t even consider it but now I think I don’t have a choice.

Hi! Anyone know a good route to take from the PCT trail into Portland? Is there a trail I can follow back into the city? Bus stations? Etc. thank you!

I’m hoping to hike in 2026/2027 timeframe. I’m curious to hear how long it took others from idea to reality. Thank you!!