Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking
3 days from Pacific Northwest to Alkali Lake
From $ 799
Duration3 days

Rejuvenate the spirit on this 3-day backpacking trip through one of the world’s most quintessential trails. The Pacific Crest Trail has long been a place for adventurers to come and find peace in the journey. With minimal elevation gain and loss, the trail is accessible to all levels of backpacker fitness. While our trip focuses on the Mount Shasta region of the trail, it is a wonderful chance to get a taste of life as a thru-hiker on the PCT. Backpacking is an incredible way to roam the world’s wild spaces. Taking the trip with a guide brings the experience to a whole new level. Our local, expert guides share their intimate knowledge of the region and their perspectives on backpacking as a whole. With our guides at the helm, we are led to stunning campsites to swim, explore and enjoy the remote solitude that draw so many to this trail. Our final, optional adventure is a dramatic ascent of Mount Eddy. The challenge is rewarding and filled with a sense of personal accomplishment, as is the entire journey itself.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 3 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Pacific Northwest
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Alkali Lake
    Ages: 18+
Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1: Begin your Pacific Crest Trail journey by heading north to Porcupine Lake.

Start place: Pacific Northwest

Our adventure begins at 9am at the Cold Creek Inn in Mount Shasta, California, where we meet our guides and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to Gumboot Saddle Trailhead to start our adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking along the flanks of Gumboot Mountain, our trail is nearly level and we are surrounded by tranquil open country with the impressive Mount Shasta in view. Along the trail we find a scenic spot for a picturesque lunch. Our campsite tonight is on the shore of Porcupine Lake beneath Porcupine Peak. After setting up camp, there is time to explore the area, swim in Porcupine Lake, venture off to nearby Toad Lake, scramble on boulders along the lakeshore, or enjoy one of the many short hikes around the area free from your backpack. Tonight we enjoy a tasty meal prepared in camp by our guides and go to sleep under a blanket of stars. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 6.2 miles; elevation gain: 750'.
Meals: D
Day 2: Backpack to Deadfall Lake and camp under Mount Eddy.
Today starts with breakfast and hot drinks before breaking camp and preparing our packs to continue our journey on the PCT towards beautiful Deadfall Lake. Today's stretch of the PCT will continue to be very level with subtle elevation gains. The ease of the trail allows us to fully enjoy the beauty of the area around us, taking in stunning mountain views and beautiful meadows. Lunch is spent at an ideal picnic spot along the trail. Upon arrival at Deadfall Lake, we make camp and again have ample time to drop our packs and explore the area unencumbered. Cool off with a swim in the lake, participate in a short hike to other nearby lakes and ridge tops, or just rest at the lakeshore and bask in the natural beauty of our campsite. Nestled at the base of Mount Eddy and almost entirely ringed by mountain peaks, Deadfall Lake is a serene location to reflect on the day's journey. After dinner prepared by our guides we go over the next day's optional, challenging summit of Mount Eddy. All meals included.
Backpacking: 6.4 miles; elevation gain: 400' elevation.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: - Enjoy incredible views from Mount Eddy and return to Deadfall Lake.
Mount Eddy awaits! At 9,037' and the highest summit in the Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy provides hikers with remarkable views that, on a clear day, reach all the way to Mount McLoughlin in Oregon. We'll hike 1.8 miles and gain 1,800' elevation up to the summit where we'll enjoy lunch with a view and reflect on all we've accomplished and learned over the last three days. On our way back down we'll pick up our packs at Deadfall Lake and hike the remaining 2.1 miles back to the trailhead, where our shuttle to Cold Creek Inn awaits. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back to the inn between 4pm and 5pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 3.6 miles; elevation gain/loss: 1,800'; Backpacking: 2.1 miles; elevation loss: 750'.

End place: Alkali Lake

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted on the daily itinerary
  • 2-person tents
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and permit fees
  • transportation between trail heads and Cold Creek Inn
  • Accommodation

    Backcountry camping, two nights

Save up to 50% on tours! Get exclusive access to members-only deals by email.

Subscribe to our newsletter