Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
14,123.00 ft (4,304.69 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
80.80 mi (130.03 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section O is a 80.8-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Burney Falls State Park to Highway 5 (near Castle Crag). This section of the trail traverses among the dense forests of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The area is prime logging country and the trail crosses several forest road giving this section a less remote feel than some of the previous sections.  The trail is multi-use and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

WHEN TO VISIT

This section of trail mostly stays below 6,000-feet of elevation and can be hiked snow-free for much of the year (roughly June-October). 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - McArthur Burney Falls Memorial Park

05.30 - Rock Creek

13.00 - Rock Creek Road

39.00 - Grizzly Peak Road

44.00 - Deer Creek

51.00 - McCloud River

65.00 - Cabin Creek Trailhead

70.00 - Girard Ridge Road

80.00 - Sacramento River

PERMITS

For information about regional and/or long distance permits please visit https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/

HALFMILE MAPS

Lon Cooper, aka "Halfmile," is a hiker, photographer, and map maker. His website provides a wealth of essential information for prospective trail hikers, such as trail notes, maps, and resupply information. You can find Halfmile's information at https://pctmap.net. 

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL ASSOCIATION: www.pcta.org 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the Pacific Crest Trail. Visit their website for information about the trail, volunteer opportunities, thru-hiker blogs, trail closures, and more. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

5

Pros

Burney Falls. Dense forest. Very Green.

Cons

Road crossings. Traffic Sounds

Trailhead Elevation

2,947.00 ft (898.25 m)

Highest point

6,060.00 ft (1,847.09 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California
Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California
Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area, California
California, Mount Shasta + Medicine Lake Area
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