The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

Distance : 2638 miles (4247 km)

Location : West Coast US {Along Pacific Rim Mountains.}

The Pacific Crest Scenic Trail is more rugged, and it ranges to a higher elevation, than its eastern cousin. The Appalachian Trail.

It's a high {from 140 - 13,200 feet} wilderness route, running along the Pacific Rim mountains. From Campo, on the California-Mexico border, to British Columbia, Canada. Most hikers tackle the trail in short segments completing the trail in several years. Many take up to five years, doing a month or so at a time.

Starting in Southern California, near the town of Campo, the trail runs parallel with the San Andreas Fault line, then heads north to the edge of the Mojave Desert. In the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts it can be days between water, so be well prepared and carry plenty of water. The trail treks through the wilderness of the Sierras, before heading for the remarkable Yosemite National Park. The essence of Yosemite is rock. Glaciers have gouged out hundreds of high country lakes. When the melt set in, it produces seasonal cascades and ephemeral falls.

The trail crosses into Washington State at its lowest level (104 feet), then through Gifford Pinchot National Forest and into the sanctuary of forests, waterfalls, lakes, snowfields and wildflower meadows, that are Mount Rainer National Park. The trail traverses the classic Alpine Lakes Wilderness, then enters the rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness. It then crosses the south-eastern corner of North Cascades National Park. The final stretch reaches the Canadian border and then finally its northern terminus.

History
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail was the baby of Clinton C. Clarke of Pasadena, who formed the PCT Conference in 1932. Several shorter trails were joined - The Oregon Skyline Trail - Washingtons Cascade Crest Trail - John Muir Trail. It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968. In 1993 the PCT was formally declared complete.