Here in Oregon, sunny weather is in the forecast, which means it’s time to start planning your outdoor adventures. While there are many short and sweet hiking trails to explore in the Beaver State, there is one magnificent trail that spans the entire state. Traveling for 460 miles through Oregon, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) showcases our state’s unique diversity and natural beauty.
Whether you want to hike the whole trail, or just a few miles of it, here are some of the can’t-miss spots along the way:
The Pacific Crest Trail starts in Mexico and travels through California, Oregon, and Washington.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington The Oregon portion of the hiking trail begins at Donomore Meadows in Southern Oregon and ends at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.
In total, this long-distance gem spans 460 miles across the entire state of Oregon.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington But you can explore as much of it as you’d like.
The scenic trail offers a change to discover the diversity of Oregon’s natural beauty.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington You can hike all over, spending time in the woods or along a river.
From dry lowlands to the enchanting Cascades, there’s plenty of scenic treasures along the PCT.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington Just be sure to follow the signs posted at junctions along the way.
In Southern Oregon, the early miles of the PCT follow the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains.
Flickr/Al Case Pilot Butte (pictured) is a volcanic plug visible for miles along the southern portion of the trail.
The central portion of Oregon’s PCT is filled with some awe-inspiring scenery, from subalpine forests to majestic mountain views.
Flickr/tjk Diamond Peak (pictured) is one of the easier summits to reach in Central Oregon.
Northern Oregon also delivers the goods along the PCT. This section of the route takes in Jefferson Park, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Flickr/Bill Automata Dry Creek Falls is one scenic gem not to be missed.
The Oregon PCT comes to a magnificent end at the Bridge of the Gods, where it crosses into Washington.
Flickr/Mattia Panciroli No matter how much you hike of the PCT, this scenic trail is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Have you hiked a portion of the PCT before – or even the whole thing? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us on our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group!
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
The Oregon portion of the hiking trail begins at Donomore Meadows in Southern Oregon and ends at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.
But you can explore as much of it as you’d like.
You can hike all over, spending time in the woods or along a river.
Just be sure to follow the signs posted at junctions along the way.
Flickr/Al Case
Pilot Butte (pictured) is a volcanic plug visible for miles along the southern portion of the trail.
Flickr/tjk
Diamond Peak (pictured) is one of the easier summits to reach in Central Oregon.
Flickr/Bill Automata
Dry Creek Falls is one scenic gem not to be missed.
Flickr/Mattia Panciroli
No matter how much you hike of the PCT, this scenic trail is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for an easier hiking trail (we don’t blame you), check out these 11 hikes under 3 miles.
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