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 a natural next step for newer backpackers — no experience required, just a readiness to take on a bit more mileage and elevation than our California intro trek. 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 the trailhead
Shuttle to the trailhead, begin hiking, and make 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 — Final trail camp
Continue hiking and settle into our final trail camp.
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.
Specific trailheads, campsites, and daily route details are shared with registered hikers before departure, and may change with permits, trail conditions, and weather.
Tent arrangements: TCT provides and coordinates all tents. Hikers typically share two-person tents, but private tents may be available depending on group size and campsite capacity. Private tents are never guaranteed, and TCT makes all final assignments. Please don't bring or independently rent a tent.
Airport transportation between the designated airport and our group accommodations is included in your 2027 trek price, both on arrival and departure. Depending on the destination, transportation may be provided by a scheduled shuttle or prepaid public transit. We'll send you detailed instructions before your trek.
This is a Beginner+ trek — beginner-accessible, but a step up from our California Intro to Thru-Hiking trek. “Beginner+” describes the physical challenge, not a required experience level: no prior backpacking or thru-hiking experience is needed. Expect 8–12 miles a day across consecutive days while carrying a 25–35 lb backpack, Oregon's highest elevation on the PCT, and no mid-trek food resupply, so you'll start out carrying more food weight. If you're reasonably fit and willing to prepare, you'll be in great shape — even on your first backpacking trip.
Because the days run a little longer and the terrain a little higher than California, Oregon asks for a stronger baseline of fitness. You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but regular cardio and some hiking-specific training beforehand — weighted pack walks, stairs, and elevation if you can find it — will help you feel strong and safe out there.
Don't have gear? No worries. Bring your own, or rent what you're missing à la carte 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.
2,935 miles · EMT-B · CPR
Follow on Instagram
“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
Follow on Instagram
“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 Instagram“The logistics were zero stress, and most of all the people/vibes were 10/10. Another big highlight is gaining confidence with different trail skills! The environment was super positive and supportive.”
Gouda
PCT · September 2026 Trek
“Fantastic guides and people. Came for the confidence in backpacking would come again for the friendships”
Knockout
PCT · September 2026 Trek
“Katie (Trip) taught me everything I needed to know for how to survive in the wilderness and backpack the PCT. Now I want to be like her and hike the whole 5 month stretch! Totally can't recommend this enough!”
Want One
PCT · September 2026 Trek
“Truly a life changing experience! I’m an avid hiker and camper but was pretty nervous to backpack alone especially with no experience. Backpacking with a group especially with Katie and Caroline was better than I could ever have imagined! Katie makes everyone feel so welcome and I instantly felt like we were all the best of friends :,) I now have the confidence and knowledge to go backpacking alone and I’m so excited for my future adventures!!”
Fungi
PCT · September 2026 Trek
A $250 deposit reserves your spot and counts toward your trip price. It's non-refundable if you cancel, but fully refunded if TCT cancels your departure. The remaining balance is due 28 days before the trek unless you're booking inside that window, in which case full payment is required. See our Cancellation & Refund Policy. Questions first? Email hello@triplecrowntreks.com to ask about this trek.
Planning your travel: We strongly recommend booking refundable or changeable flights, lodging, and transportation whenever possible. Backpacking trips may occasionally need to be modified, postponed, or canceled due to weather, wildfire, trail closures, or other conditions outside TCT's control. Independently booked travel expenses are not included in your TCT trip purchase.
Not sure if this trek is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute call with us — we'll talk through the mileage, difficulty, gear, experience level, and any questions you have. No pressure to book.
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 willing to prepare.
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
$925
