Pacific Crest Trail: Crest Horse Camp to Bridge of the Gods

A 51-mile one-way backpack south on the Pacific Crest Trail from Crest Horse Camp, just a bit south of Mount Adams, to the Columbia River. Intermediate destinations could include Table Mountain, Bunker Hill, Big Huckleberry Mountain.

getting there

From the Puget Sound area, head south on I-5 for 147 miles to I-205S toward Salem.  Take I-205 to Exit 22 for US 184 East toward The Dalles. Go 34 miles to Exit 44 for US 30 East toward Cascade Locks/Stevenson and drive a half mile to Bridge of the Gods.  Leave a vehicle there.

Head west on Bridge of the Gods toward WA-14 East for 6 miles to Wind River Highway and go left at the fork.  Follow the Wind River highway for 5.7 miles to Old State Road. Turn right and then shortly go left on Forest Road 65 (Panther Creek Road).  In 4.7 miles turn left to stay on Forest Road 65, and go another 6.1 miles to Forest Road 60 (Carson Guler Road)  where you will turn right.  The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) will cross it in 1.9 miles. Park and start hiking here.

on the trail

suggested itinerary

  • Day 1: Approximately 10 miles with 1,332 feet of elevation gain and 2, 044 feet of elevation loss
  • Day 2: Approximately 14.5 miles with 3,281 feet of elevation gain and 3,091 feet of elevation loss
  • Day 3: Approximately 6.5 miles with 1,204 feet of elevation gain and 2,441 feet of elevation loss

pct miles

  • 51.01 PCT miles

notes

  • Water can be scarce. Be prepared to adjust your mileage as you hike so that you can camp near an available water source.
  • Hiking  north to south is less elevation gain than hiking south to north.
  • For a shorter hike, one can exit via the Sedum Ridge Trail to Road CG-2000. It's 3.6 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation loss from the PCT.
  • Another shorter option is to exit on Road CG-2070 where it intersects the PCT.
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
  • Length: 30.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 5,811 ft
  • 3,900 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Bonneville Dam No. 429
  • Green Trails Wind River No. 397
  • Green Trails Lookout Mtn No.396
  • Green Trails Bridal Veil No. 428
Activities

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Titles

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  • Pacific Crest Trail: Crest Campground to Bridge of the Gods
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