THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL Volume 1: California - Softcover

Whether you're planning to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail through Oregon and Washington, or just a section or two, this is an essential guide to the sometimes complicated logistics and navigation of a long-distance expedition. The beginning chapters provide planning basics: post-office addresses for mailing food and supplies, suggestions on when to hike which sections and what to bring, and an introduction to the geology, flora, and fauna of the region. But the heart of the guide comprises 12 chapters of trail specifics between Highway 96 in northern California and Highway 3 in British Columbia. Each section begins and ends at a highway--often at or near a town, resort, or park. Chapters contain topographic maps, prehike information (attractions to be on the lookout for, declination settings, elevation and mileage points, permit regulations, and availability of supplies), along with detailed information on navigating your way along the trail. So if you're packing up your rucksack for a modest PCT excursion or the full-bore trek, this is one item you can't afford to leave out.

Jeffrey P. Schaffer made his first backpacking trip in a 1962 traverse of the Grand Canyon, at age 19. The following year the climbing frenzy seized him, which lasted until about 1972, some 200 roped ascents later. In that year he began working on his first book for Wilderness Press, The Pacific Crest Trail. Since then, he has been the sole or principal author of over a dozen guidebooks, and has mapped about 4000 miles of trail for his books and 15' topographic maps.

Andy Selters started his climbing career on Mt. Shasta, and he has gone on to guide and climb all over the world, from Alaska to Yosemite, British Columbia to Bolivia, and Washington to Nepal. He has written a variety of other books on hiking and mountaineering and its history.