Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
6,644.00 ft (2,025.09 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
55.00 mi (88.51 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 Q is a 55-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that extends from Etna Summit to Seiad Valley. In this section, you will find unique geology, wildflowers, and glaciated canyons. 

A large portion of this section passes through the Marble Mountain Wilderness, one of the original wilderness areas established by the Wilderness Act of 1964, noted for its craggy peaks, coniferous forests, and lush meadows. Marble Mountain, the area's namesake, has a unique red-and-gray marble peak and the PCT passes by it on the east side.

The PCT is multi-use, and is open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Within the Marble Mountain Wilderness travel is restricted to foot, horseback, skis, snowshoes, paddle rafts, and kayaks. 

MILES AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - Etna Summit Trailhead

03.20 - Marble Mountain Wilderness Boundary

24.00 - Marble Valley / Marble Mountain

29.00 - Paradise Lake

36.00 - Marble Mountain Wilderness Boundary

48.00 - Grider Creek Campground

55.00 - Highway 6 at Seiad Valley
 

PERMITS

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

MARBLE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

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

Marble Mountain Wilderness: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/klamath/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5104740&width=full

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

4

Pros

Marble Mountain Wilderness. Marble Mountain. Glaciated canyons.

Cons

Mosquitos in summer.

Trailhead Elevation

5,997.00 ft (1,827.89 m)

Highest point

6,987.00 ft (2,129.64 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

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