Walk a wild, beautiful stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail — and step into your next level as a backpacker.
This 5-day guided trek (7 days total) through Southern Oregon is designed for hikers ready to build on their backpacking foundation. Starting near Summit Lake and finishing at Diamond Lake, you'll move through quiet forest and alpine lakes — and cap it all off with a celebratory stop at iconic Crater Lake. You'll also hike through the highest point of the PCT in Oregon. This is about finding rhythm on trail, deepening confidence, and experiencing the magic of long-distance hiking in one of the most beautiful sections of the PCT.
Day 1 — Meet in Ashland
Group grocery run, welcome dinner & orientation.
Day 2 — Shuttle to Summit Lake
Shuttle to Summit Lake Campground, begin hiking, wild camp.
Day 3 — Hiking north
Continue hiking north, learn backpacking skills on trail.
Day 4 — Hiking north
Continue hiking north, learn backpacking skills on trail.
Day 5 — Diamond Lake
Continue hiking north & camp at Diamond Lake Lodge.
Day 6 — Crater Lake
Early morning lake swim, stop at Crater Lake, transport back to Ashland & final night in accommodation.
Day 7 — Departure
Departure from Ashland.
This is an Intermediate trek — rated for its physical demands, not for how much backpacking experience you have. No prior experience is required. Expect more sustained mileage across consecutive days, Oregon's highest PCT elevation, and no mid-trek food resupply, so you'll start the trip carrying more food weight. If you're reasonably fit and ready for more of a physical challenge, you'll be in great shape — even as your first backpacking trip.
Comfortable walking 8–12 miles a day with a 25–35 lb backpack across consecutive days, without a mid-trek resupply to lighten your load along the way. This trek requires a stronger baseline of fitness than our California trek — regular cardio and some hiking-specific training beforehand (weighted pack walks, stairs, elevation if you can find it) will help you feel strong out there.
Don't have gear? No worries. Bring your own, or use full gear rental options available after booking.
“Trip”
I'm from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Psychology and Spanish, and hiked the PCT immediately after graduation — it changed the trajectory of my life. Now I travel full-time and lead group trips, though my favorite endeavor by far is this one. My heart is happiest in the mountains, in good company.
2,890 miles · EMT-B · CPR
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“Granny Candy”
I hiked the PCT in 2025. Growing up, I spent summers in the mountains of NorCal not far from the trail, so it was always a childhood dream of mine. I love everything about trail life — the connection to nature, the space to let your mind wander, the way little things become absolutely luxurious. I'm so excited to introduce you to PCT life and all that comes with it!
2,650 miles · WFA · EMT-B · CPR
“Argonaut”
I'm from Seattle, Washington. A year after graduating college in 2023 I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, where I met Katie. Backpacking has led me to some of the best experiences of my life — I've encountered miserable storms and many beautiful days. No matter the weather, if you're hiking with me, know it's going to be a great adventure.
2,234 miles · WFA · CPR
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“Goldfish”
I'm Triple Crown Treks' Social Media Manager and a guide. I grew up in Washington and am now based in Bend, Oregon, where the mountains, desert, and alpine trails truly feel like my backyard. My experience includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2024, the Camino de Santiago, France's GR54, and the Tour du Mont Blanc. I want everyone to feel confident, capable, and deeply connected to the trail.
3,400 miles · CPR · WFA
Follow on Instagram2027 dates are live — pricing and booking open soon.
Get notified the moment 2027 bookings open:
Sep 19 – Sep 25, 2026
Max 5 hikers
Sep 7 – Sep 13, 2027
Max 8 hikers
Pricing & booking coming soon
Sep 17 – Sep 23, 2027
Max 8 hikers
Pricing & booking coming soon
A $250 nonrefundable deposit reserves your spot; the remaining balance is due 45 days before the trek unless you're booking inside that window, in which case full payment is required. Questions first? Email hello@triplecrowntreks.com to ask about this trek.
Yes — it requires a stronger baseline of fitness than California. Expect similar daily mileage but more sustained effort, more remote terrain, higher elevation (Oregon's highest point on the PCT), and no mid-trek food resupply, so you'll carry more weight from the start. No prior backpacking experience is required — but you should be reasonably fit and ready for a physical challenge.
It depends on the departure, not the trek — look for the Women Only or Coed label on each date below. We currently offer both group types across our treks.
From
$825
