PCT GEOGRAPHY
The PCT begins near this California community, just north of the Mexican border
What is Campo
The three states crossed by the PCT are California, Oregon, and this state.
What is Washington?
This massive Washington volcano is visible from numerous locations along the northern portion of the PCT.
What is Mount Rainier?
This black-and-white bird is one of the most recognizable predators of the Pacific Northwest.
What is a bald eagle?
This tree species produces cones that can remain sealed until exposed to intense heat from wildfire
What is a lodgepole pine?
After leaving the Sierra Nevada, the PCT eventually enters this state known for the volcanic Cascade Range.
What is Oregon
This organization is the primary nonprofit partner dedicated to protecting and preserving the Pacific Crest Trail.
What is the Pacific Crest Trail Association?
At over 13,000 feet, this California peak is the highest point the PCT passes near, though the trail itself does not summit it.
What is Mount Whitney?
This animal is notorious among backpackers for trying to steal food from campsites in the Sierra Nevada.
What is a black bear?
This ecological phenomenon occurs when a forest fire releases nutrients and creates conditions for new growth.
What is ecological succession?
The PCT crosses this major California mountain range, which includes Mount Whitney nearby
What are the Sierra Nevada?
Hikers use this term for food and supplies they pick up during a long-distance hike.
What is resupply?
This California mountain pass is one of the highest points crossed directly by the PCT.
What is Forester Pass?
This elusive cat, native to the mountainous regions of the Pacific Coast, is a powerful predator that hikers may encounter along remote sections of the PCT.
What is a mountain lion (cougar)?
This species of pine is recognizable by its pale, almost white bark and is found at high elevations in the Sierra Nevada.
What is the whitebark pine?
The PCT crosses into Canada near this body of water in Washington.
What is Chilliwack Lake?
A hiker traveling northbound on the PCT is commonly abbreviated with these two letters.
What is NOBO?
The PCT crosses this famous volcanic peak's slopes in Oregon, offering views of the surrounding Three Sisters Wilderness
What is Mount Bachelor?
Unlike giant sequoias, these trees are famous for being the world's tallest trees and grow naturally along California's coast.
What are coast redwoods?
These massive granite formations are characteristic of the Sierra Nevada and were shaped largely by glaciers.
What are glacially carved granite domes?
The PCT passes through this California desert region famous for Joshua trees and extreme heat.
What is the Mojave Desert?
The PCT crosses this famous California road at approximately 400 miles into the trail. The crossing is notable because this highway provides access to the trailhead for the San Jacinto Mountains, including one of the PCT's most famous steep ascents.
What is Interstate 8?
This Washington volcano is the highest mountain in the state and sits east of the PCT's northern terminus.
What is Mount Rainier?
This tiny amphibian, found in parts of the Pacific Northwest, is particularly associated with moist old-growth forest ecosystems.
What is a salamander?
This phenomenon describes trees growing at progressively lower elevations on north-facing slopes because those slopes retain more moisture.
What is aspect-driven microclimate variation?