Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
8,214.00 ft (2,503.63 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
74.00 mi (119.09 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: Oregon Section E is a 74-mile point-to-point section of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The route continues to traverse the Cascade crest from Highway 58 to Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass), crossing back and forth between Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest. The trail is moderately rated, multi-use, and open to runners, hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.

In this section, there are tree-lined lakes, mixed conifer forests, and two wilderness areas, Waldo Lakes Wilderness and Three Sisters Wilderness. Forests in the area are dominated by Douglas-fir, mountain hemlock, and Pacific silver fir. 

This section has a rolling terrain with little change in elevation that makes it relatively easy and accessible for most people.

MILES AND WAYPOINTS (South to North)

02.80 - Rosary Lakes.

06.30 - Maiden Peak Shelter.

07.20 - Junction with the Maiden Peak Trail.

17.00 - Charlton Lake.

20.00 - Waldo Lakes Wilderness boundary.

23.00 - Three Sisters Wilderness boundary. 

62.00 - Obsidian Falls.

PERMITS

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

USFS - Central Cascades Wilderness Permit : Some areas may require the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit for overnight stays and in some cases day use areas. 

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

Willamette National Forest - Waldo Lakes Wilderness 

Waldo Lake Area

Willamette National Forest - Three Sisters Wilderness

Deschutes National Forest

 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

5

Pros

Three Sisters Wilderness. Waldo Lakes Wilderness.

Cons

Mosquitos in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

5,094.00 ft (1,552.65 m)

Highest point

6,806.00 ft (2,074.47 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Geologically significant
Horseback riding
Fishing

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.