Drive & Hike:
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
“From the Canadian to the Mexican border, the call of the Pacific Crest Trail or PCT is notoriously strong for thru-hikers embarking on a months-long adventure. But no such rigorous outdoor survival skills are necessary to enjoy pieces of this incredibly scenic trail that passes through the most amazing natural places and rad little towns the US has to offer.
This guide book helps you drive to a trailhead, hike a few miles, enjoy dinner and a glass of wine, a museum, or a place of historic interest, and finish out your trip in less than a day, or spend a weekend camping or enjoying indoor lodging in between explorations.
Get away, support the local economy, and get your fix of nature in Washington, Oregon, or California. This guide contains full listings for all amenities and sights, full color photos, and detailed maps.”
-Microcosm Publishing
Best Trail Towns
Famous for their warm hospitality, natural beauty, and small-town charm, these are the towns that make lasting impressions on Pacific Crest Trail hikers.
Best Trail Sections
Ready to hit the dirt? Here’s your guide to day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Pacific Crest Trail Road Trip
Make your escape on shorter trips from nearby cities, hit all the national parks along the PCT, or drive the entire three-week route through California, Oregon, and Washington.
What hikers are saying about Drive & Hike: Pacific Crest Trail
“Be warned—this guide will make you want to hit the trail and road immediately. This is a gorgeous, well-organized and well-written guidebook. I hiked the PCT in 2014 and this book kicked my trail nostalgia into overdrive. I'm not in a place in my life where I can drop everything and hike for five months again, so the idea of being able to string a bunch of the trail's highlights together with some of the amazing day hikes, town stops and other fun adventures that a thru-hiker doesn't have time for (or means to travel to) is SUPER appealing to me. Honestly I'm tempted to pack up the car and hit the road this weekend.
The author, Caroline Hinchliff, has a delightful and succinct style—it's not dry like some guidebooks, but it's not indulgent either—just right. You get the info you need with just enough exposition and description to entice you. The photos and maps are beautiful, and Hinchliff offers tons of options for hikers of all skill levels, and for those looking to just visit certain parts of the trail (not everyone, myself included unfortunately, can head out for a 21 day road trip right now!). I also loved the inclusion of the Top 10 PCT Experiences in the beginning of the book, and I agree - Stehekin, WA is a magical wonderland and you should absolutely visit.
I guess what I want to say is... buy this book and have yourself a PCT adventure! Be responsible out there, and if you see any dirty, smelly thru hikers... give 'em a ride into town!”
-Connor
“The hiking guide that keeps on giving…Great guide with really accurate instructions! I did most of the Washington and Oregon hikes, some of them have backroads without much signage and would be easy to get turned around in without help, but the guidebook has detailed directions that helped me get there!
At first I just used it for day trips and weekend hiking, but there are a lot of great recommendations on camping and places to eat and sight-seeing that you won't get off the trails apps.
References for distance/duration/effort are right at the top of every hike description super easy to find.
Highly recommend!”
-Kaitlin
“Pick this book up right now! This is one of the most authentic guide books I have ever read. Caroline incorporates her vast knowledge about the Pacific Crest Trail into a very readable and user friendly format. I can tell that she is an expert on this destination and have already used it to explore my own area near the PCT! The maps are helpful in orienting me to the region. The guide also features unique activities, experiences and sights that I have found intriguing. I believe that it offers coverage beyond the typical tourist destinations. I’m certain the recommendations align with not only my own, but others I have read for the area. I found the maps and commentary the most helpful about this guide. It also offers thoughtful consideration of local culture and history.”
-Jana
“The only guidebook for exploring the PNW you’ll ever need! I used this guide to identify stops on my PCT Road Trip to Crater Lake National Park last summer, and now that it’s adventure planning season in the Pacific Northwest I’m pulling it out again! This wonderful book is up to date, accessible, and includes all the info you need to explore this region no matter your activity or ability level and really create whatever unique experience you desire.”
-Jennifer
“Save time and energy planning, get this guide. I took this book on a recent trek of a few key points along the PCT and found the recommendations from the author super helpful. If you're wanting to plan the full trek and identify the not-to-miss moments OR if you’re wanting to have key experiences but aren't ready to take the full 5 months off work (the bucket I'm in), then this book will be an indispensable piece of your library. Searching online just doesn't compare with how easy the author has made it using this guide—even down to the breweries and diners that are on the must-do list. This guide has got it all.”
-Jesse
“Perfect; tracking our grandson on the PCT.”
-Tom
“Really nice guide; really well written and helpful.”