Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
This section hike is a great way to get a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail over the course of a week or long weekend.
Starting from the Columbia River Gorge, you'll begin your trek with a long initial climb through lush, green forest (aptly named the Green Tunnel) before turning back east, weaving in and out of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and Yacolt Burn State Park. The initial 30 miles are fairly low in elevation and mostly forested, though you'll likely get some peek-a-boo views of the nearby mountains.
Around the 32 mile point, hikers will reach the Panther Creek Campground, which is the last resting place before the longest climb of the section — about 9 miles uphill and 3200 feet of elevation gain. From this point on, you'll stay high and pass through a myriad of quaint lakes and flower-filled meadows as you meander through the Indian Heaven Wilderness, eventually coming up on your ending point at Road 23.
The trail is dotted with plenty of campsites, making it easy to find a stopping point when your legs get tired.
Trailhead
