Pacific Crest Trail Women's Backpacking
3 days
From $ 799
Duration3 days

Discover the peace and power of wild places on this three-day backpacking trip on one of the world’s longest hiking trails. Perfect for women who want to try backpacking, advance their backcountry skills or get a taste of life as a thru-hiker, this trip is a learning journey that touches a spectacularly scenic portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT stretches 2,650 miles along America’s west coast, through some of the country’s most rugged and dramatic terrain. Our trail section is accessible to those who want an incredible backpacking experience but don’t have a lot of time. By day, we hike through mountain meadows, along open ridgelines and by the shores of gemlike alpine lakes, with Mount Shasta towering on the horizon. Our expert female guides share their knowledge of wilderness travel and the fauna, flora, geology and history of the land. We camp near lakes, allowing plenty of time to swim and relax. By night, we savor star-filled skies and remote solitude. Our final, optional adventure is an ascent of Mount Eddy, the highest of the Klamath Mountains, providing a literal pinnacle to our wild journey.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 3 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Great Lakes
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
Pacific Crest Trail Women's Backpacking - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Backpack to beautiful Deadfall Lakes and setup our high alpine basecamp.

Start place: Great Lakes

Our day begins in Mount Shasta City, California, where we meet our guides and fellow travelers for a morning orientation and gear check. Guides will ensure packs are properly fitted and recommend tips and tricks on how to carry weight more comfortably. After a provided transfer to the trailhead we’ll start our journey to Deadfall Lake, our home for the next two nights. Upon arrival we’ll set up camp along the picturesque waters and get acquainted with our surroundings. This afternoon we’ll have the opportunity to take a dip in Deadfall Lake or, for those who prefer, hang out at camp getting acquainted with new friends. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking Distance: 2.1 miles; Elevation Gain: 750'.
Meals: D
Day 2: Explore an alpine lake basin; hike up to high ridgelines along the PCT.
Our opportunities for exploration today are limitless. We’ll wake to the smell of brewing coffee and take our time to enjoy a hearty backcountry breakfast. With our boots laced, we’ll then hit the trail and start a day of cross country adventure. The Deadfall Lakes Basin contains a mix of four alpine lakes and tarns where one can enjoy a refreshing swim or a contemplative moment on a quiet shoreline. Not far away we’ll hike up a trail intersecting the Pacific Crest Trail and gaze out at sprawling views of the southern Cascade Range. Once back in camp we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and perhaps an evening of stargazing if conditions permit. All meals included.
Hiking Distance: 2-5 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: variable depending on route.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Take in expansive views from the top of Mount Eddy.
At 9,037’ Mount Eddy is the highest peak in the Trinity Mountains and offers remarkable views, which often reach all the way to Mount McLoughlin in the Sky Lakes Wilderness of southern Oregon. Today’s goal will be the summit, where we’ll reflect on our experience in this awe inspiring region. We’ll take our time and if conditions permit enjoy a lunch with a view before heading back down to our Deadfall Lakes camp to pick up our packs and head back out the 2.1 miles to the trailhead. Depending on trail conditions, weather and other factors, we estimate arriving back to Mount Shasta City between 4pm and 5pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Round trip Hiking Distance to Mount Eddy: 3.6 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,800’; Elevation Loss: 1,800’Hiking Distance from Deadfall Lake to trailhead: 2.1 miles; Elevation Loss: 750’
Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted on the daily itinerary
  • 2-person tents
  • group cooking gear
  • group first aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and permit fees
  • transportation between trail heads and Cold Creek Inn
  • Accommodation

    Backcountry camping, two nights

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