Pacific Crest Trail Hike Section Review: Oregon
Pacific Crest Trail Hike Section Review: Oregon
Hello all! As I continue to prep for the Appalachian Trail, I can’t help but think about where I was at this time last year for my 2024 Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. This has been a great time for reflection and while reflecting, I wanted to share some of the information I wish I had known.
Desert section: March 22nd, 2024 - May 10th, 2024
Sierra Nevada: May 12th, 2024 - June 11th, 2024
Northern California: June 14th, 2024 - July 10th, 2024.
Oregon: July 10th, 2024 - July 30th, 2024
I wrote individual section posts that go over mileage day over day (section by section), other statistics, and a narrative. If you are diving head first into what a realistic hike would/could look like, I’ve linked those below for easy access.
Remember that my PCT Oregon Highlights/Lowlights are completely subjective to my experience. No one’s experience will look exactly the same.
I’ve tried to list out as much town information as I remember and can recommend. Please reach out (email and socials below) if you have any specific questions about a location.
I’m so excited for your journey!
Individual Section Posts:
PCT Oregon Highlights:
A new state felt like being reborn. The scenery, foliage, and trail were completely different and it was a breath of fresh air.
Crater Lake National Park at sunrise was a morning I will never forget. It is one of my favorite memories of my entire lifetime.
The trail angel community of Southern/Central Oregon amazed me with their kindness and organization amidst the chaotic fires.
Big mileage days; including a 40 mile day.
Hitting 2000 miles AND reaching the Bridge of the Gods as I wrapped up Oregon.
Restful time in Portland with dear friends.
PCT Oregon Lowlights:
Some days were full of long miles that seemed to come slower than before.
Wildfires continued to change my path and add logistical challenges.
Mosquitoes were at times a nuisance.
Interpersonal communication:
Poor communication with a previously wonderful trail partner put an absolute damper on the last third of the state.
My first interactions with another hiker that made me uncomfortable as a solo woman.
My personal life off trail.
Town Stops in Oregon
Here I’ve outlined all of the town stops I made while in Oregon and included things I would recommend. If you see something on here missing, i.e. accommodation or a restaurant, it is because I do not recommend it and therefore will not be mentioning it.
There are other towns in Oregon, but these are the ones that I stopped at - but you have more options! It ranged from a double zero to a quick in and out in the same day in a few of these places.
Places that are available for either a meal or resupply that I did not go to: Fish Lake, Elk Lake, and Ollalie Lake.
Also I skipped the majority of Section D due to a fire near Mount Thielsen and had to take the Eagle Creek Alternate for a fire near Cascade Locks.
Towns
Ashland (Section A/B):
Transportation: A lot of folks hitch into town, but with the robust cell service - we called a RideShare. This was the most efficient in and out of town.
Food: Growler Guys, Mam’s Happy Thai Express, and Skout Taphouse + Provisions were all wonderful stops.
Resupply: Plenty of resupply and proper grocery stores. There are also several gear shops.
Extra Curriculars: Ashland is known for their Shakespeare Festival that runs nearly all Summer. Prick, Yeti, and I saw Much Ado About Nothing and it was fantastic. Go see a show while you are there!
Mazama at Crater Lake National Park (Section C)
Accommodation: There are free PCT hiker specific campsites.
Resupply/Packages: The small store has some resupply, but I wouldn’t count on this as a full one. They accept packages ($) which is how I was able to resupply.
Showers: Free shower as well - don’t expect good quality but after sweating nonstop, it felt nice.
Chemult (Section D)
Note: I would not have gone into this Chemult unless the wildfires forced me to. This would not be a stop I would overall recommend.
Transportation: Trail angel Cody set up a ferrying service due to the wildfire in the area.
Shelter Cove (Section D/E)
Transportation: Got an organized ride with trail angel ($) to the Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake.
Accommodation: Free camping for PCT hikers.
Food: The restaurant on site was actually pretty good! Heard the pizza was good - but I could not get it as I am gluten free.
Laundry: On site and they have soap ($) and quarters available.
Showers: On site ($), but since I had just been in Chemult, I did not use this.
Resupply/Packages: They do accept packages ($), but do know that they only receive packages on certain days and things may be delayed. My package was not there despite being guaranteed to be by that date and it limited my resupply and shoe options! Small store, but good hiker box.
Bend (Section E/F)
Transportation: Hitched to and from town. This is a relatively long hitch so I split it from the trailhead to Sisters to Bend.
Accommodation: Campfire hotel was a treat and pretty well located.
Post Office: Several post offices, so be sure you are sending things to the most convenient one based on where you are staying.
Laundry: Several laundromats available, one will be near whatever accommodation you choose.
Food: You really can’t go wrong; Bend Brewing Company was delicious.
Timberline Lodge (Section G)
Resupply/Packages: The gear shop near the skiing area accepts packages ($), but this overall does not have much to resupply with at all.
Cascade Locks (Section G)
Food: Thunder Island Brewing was wonderful. I went there 3x because of how long/how many times I was in and out of Cascade Locks. Gluten free burger buns? Yes please.
Post Office: Central located, easily accessible in town.
Portland (Section G-ish)
Transportation: Convenient Columbia Gorge bus that will take you directly to and from Cascade Locks to Portland.
Advice to new hikers:
Oregon really does have smoother and less noticeable inclines, so enjoy them!
Mosquitoes will eventually go away. Get proper bug spray and a head net.
Continue to listen to the Forest Service and PCTA in relation to how to handle wildfires.
If you have a goal to do big mile days, now would be the time to do them!
There are some really fun towns in Oregon; be sure to spend time in them!
Remember your ‘Why’.
Here are some of my favorite Oregon memories in photos below.
xoxo Kanga/Leeann
