Pacific Crest Trail: California Section P

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section P is a 96.7-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Highway 5 to Etna Summit. This scenic section features Castle Crags State Park, the Trinity-Alps Wilderness, and the Russian Wilderness. The trail is multi-use, and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

This section begins with the majestic granite spires of Castle Crags. It traverses the east side of the Klamath Mountains and enters the Trinity-Alps Wilderness, the second largest wilderness area in California with granite peaks and alpine lakes. The Russian Wilderness is located north of the Trinity-Alps Wilderness. It protects the Russian Mountains and houses a roadless area that provides a crucial corridor for animals, especially migrating herds of Blacktail Deer. 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Interstate 5

58.00 - Highway 3

60.00 - Southern border of Trinity-Alps Wilderness

77.00 - Cecilleville Road / Northern border of Trinity-Alps Wilderness

89.00 - Southern border of Russian Wilderness

95.00 - Northern border of Russian Wilderness

PERMITS

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

TRINITY-ALPS WILDERNESS

• A permit is required for overnight camping. Permits are available via kiosks located at the following stations:  

  • Weaverville Ranger Station 

  • Shasta Lake Ranger Station

  • Mule Creek Fire Station

  • Coffee Creek Fire Station

• A California campfire is required for overnight camping. More information can be found at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/. 

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

Castle Crags State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454. 

Trinity-Alps Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stnf/recarea/?recid=6521. 

Russian Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/klamath/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5104743&width=full.