Hi There!
I'm a retired Software Engineer that started section hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2012. I'm jumping into this blog late in the game but I decided I need a place to document my progress. I've already hiked 530 miles of the trail but this Summer I'm going to be a "Semi" Through Hiker! I'm leaving on July 11th and plan to hike from near Ashland Oregon to The Bridge of the Gods on the Oregon/Washington border, finishing on August 14th.
I'll be hiking with 2-3 friends and meeting up with my 25 year old daughter Natalie at some point. I'm already starting the planning and acquiring backpacking equipment for Natalie, who has never backpacked in her life.
One of my favorite parts of a trip is the planning part so I hope to share some of that here.
The first step is to get out the maps and books!
A good book for Section Hiking California is:
Day Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail by George and Patricia Semb
They also wrote a book on Oregon and Washington but I didn't find it quite as helpful.
My other go to planning book is:
Pacific Crest Trail Data Book by Benedict "Gentle Ben" Go.
This book has mileages, landmarks and addresses for resupply outposts. I use it to track which sections I've completed. Very useful!
The Pacific Crest Trail Association website is another great resource where you can get permits and tons of other information. I highly recommend joining. It's only $35 and you get a nice map of the PCT and a subscription to Backpacker magazine. Well worth the price!
Half Mile Maps which has pdf format printable topo maps with landmarks, water sources and campsites. You can also get the Half Mile PCT app for android or iPhone. It's practically all I use now, although I still take the paper maps as backup in case the phone breaks or gets lost.
Finally you need to check for water resources and closures:
Water Report
Trail Conditions and Closures
