How many hikers have died on the PCT?

There have been 13 thru-hiker deaths on the PCT. Here is a breakdown of what has caused them: 6 – Falling. 3 – Heatstroke.

Is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail dangerous?

The Pacific Crest Trail doles out hazards in cruel ways. Thousands of hikers on the 2,650-mile trek face perils including rattlesnakes, exposure, corneal flash burns from snow glare, and heatstroke. One involved a hiker who fell near Forester Pass, the trail’s highest point, at 13,153 feet.

Can I carry a gun on the PCT?

Re: Handgun laws on the CA sections of PCT? Concealed(no permit): In your campsite! You can also carry on your way to or from fishing/hunting. California has NO reciprocity with other states for CCW permits.

Are there grizzly bears on the PCT?

Yes, there are still technically grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) on the PCT, your chances of coming across one are slim to none. This is in the area that encompasses the North Cascades, through which the Pacific Crest Trail travels for just 18 miles.

How dangerous is the Pacific Crest Trail?

“We’re worried about our trail communities.” No one keeps precise statistics on trail deaths, injuries and rescues, but there have been at least 15 fatalities on the PCT since the early 1980s. The top causes are drownings at river-crossings and falls.

What are the most dangerous hiking trails in California?

In Southern California hikers do battle with the infamous Poodle Dog Bush (remember, you cannot smoke it). Then, in the lower elevations of Northern California, hikers contend with a poison oak enveloped trail.

Are plants scarier than animals on the Pacific Crest Trail?

Yes, plants are scarier than animals. The Pacific Crest Trail is home to a number of poisonous plants that can cripple hikers bold enough to even come into contact with them. In Southern California hikers do battle with the infamous Poodle Dog Bush (remember, you cannot smoke it).

Are there cars on the Pacific Crest Trail?

Yes, cars. The Pacific Crest Trail itself may be free of motor vehicles, but thanks to the occasional road walking adventure, the many highway crossings, and the number of hours hikers spend hitchhiking, there exist plenty opportunities to be struck by a vehicle.