Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking

Trip Length3 Days
Group Size4-10
Activity level
Starting from
$1,199for REI Members
$1,319 for non-members
DeparturesJun 2025-Sep 2025
Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236
Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Rejuvenate the spirit on this 3-day backpacking trip through one of the world's most quintessential trails.

The Pacific Crest Trail has long been a place for adventurers to come and find peace in the journey. With minimal elevation gain and loss, the trail is accessible to all levels of backpacker fitness. While our trip focuses on the Mount Shasta region of the trail, it is a wonderful chance to get a taste of life as a thru-hiker on the PCT.

Backpacking is an incredible way to roam the world's wild spaces. Taking the trip with a guide brings the experience to a whole new level. Our local, expert guides share their intimate knowledge of the region and their perspectives on backpacking as a whole. With our guides at the helm, we are led to stunning campsites to swim, explore and enjoy the remote solitude that draw so many to this trail. Our final, optional adventure is a dramatic ascent of Mount Eddy. The challenge is rewarding and filled with a sense of personal accomplishment, as is the entire journey itself.

Backpacking to beautiful Porcupine Lake, we are rewarded with a great area to set up camp, explore, swim, and get some relaxation.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy three days of backpacking the PCT in the Mount Shasta region of northern California
  • Hone your backpacking skills with help from expert guides
  • Relax, swim and explore at our lakeshore camp sites
  • Summit the tallest of the Klamath Mountains

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35 to 40 pounds, distances of 4 to 7 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level. Nearly all hikes take place at elevations between 6,500'-7,500' with Mt. Eddy reaching 9,026' above sea level.

  • Backpacking

What's 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. This trip is conducted by Shasta Mountain Guides, llc. Shasta Mountain Guides operates under a Special Use permit of the Shasta Trinity National Forest.

Accommodations

Backcountry camping, two nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking
Day 1

Begin your Pacific Crest Trail journey by heading north to Porcupine Lake

Our adventure begins in Mount Shasta, California, where we meet our guides and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to Gumboot Saddle Trailhead to start our adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking along the flanks of Gumboot Mountain, our trail is nearly level and we are surrounded by tranquil open country with the impressive Mount Shasta in view. Along the trail we find a scenic spot for a picturesque lunch. Our campsite tonight is on the shore of Porcupine Lake beneath Porcupine Peak. After setting up camp, there is time to explore the area, swim in Porcupine Lake, venture off to nearby Toad Lake, scramble on boulders along the lakeshore, or enjoy one of the many short hikes around the area free from your backpack. Tonight we enjoy a tasty meal prepared in camp by our guides and go to sleep under a blanket of stars. Lunch and dinner included.

Backpacking: 6.2 miles; elevation gain: 750'.

Day 2

Backpack to Deadfall Lake and camp under Mount Eddy

Today starts with breakfast and hot drinks before breaking camp and preparing our packs to continue our journey on the PCT towards beautiful Deadfall Lake. Today's stretch of the PCT will continue to be very level with subtle elevation gains. The ease of the trail allows us to fully enjoy the beauty of the area around us, taking in stunning mountain views and beautiful meadows. Lunch is spent at an ideal picnic spot along the trail. Upon arrival at Deadfall Lake, we make camp and again have ample time to drop our packs and explore the area unencumbered. Cool off with a swim in the lake, participate in a short hike to other nearby lakes and ridge tops, or just rest at the lakeshore and bask in the natural beauty of our campsite. Nestled at the base of Mount Eddy and almost entirely ringed by mountain peaks, Deadfall Lake is a serene location to reflect on the day's journey. After dinner prepared by our guides we go over the next day's optional, challenging summit of Mount Eddy. All meals included.

Backpacking: 6.4 miles; elevation gain: 400' elevation.

Day 3

Enjoy incredible views from Mount Eddy and return to Deadfall Lake

Mount Eddy awaits! At 9,026' and the highest summit in the Klamath Mountains, Mount Eddy provides hikers with remarkable views that, on a clear day, reach all the way to Mount McLoughlin in Oregon. We'll hike 1.8 miles and gain 1,800' elevation up to the summit where we'll enjoy lunch with a view and reflect on all we've accomplished and learned over the last three days. On our way back down we'll pick up our packs at Deadfall Lake and hike back to the trailhead, where our shuttle to Cold Creek Inn awaits. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back to Mount Shasta in the late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3.6 miles; elevation gain/loss: 1,800'; Backpacking: 2.1 miles; elevation loss: 750'.

Itinerary map for Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

  • All Group Cooking Gear
  • Group First Aid Kit
  • Stoves and Fuel
  • Tent(s)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water Filter

What to pack

Required gear

Travel documents

  • Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Recommended gear

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Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.