PCT — California Section R landscape

Photo: Photo by Alexander Holmes on Unsplash

PCT — California Section R

~5 days · 61.1 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance61.1 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain13,520 ft
Gain / mile221 ft
High point7,090 ft

What the PCT — California Section R is known for

PCT California Section R climbs out of Seiad Valley through the Siskiyou crest, crossing the Oregon border before ending near Interstate 5 at Siskiyou Summit. About 64 miles point-to-point of long ridge walks through the Klamath country — the last California section for northbound hikers.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the PCT — California Section R on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 4,498 ft to 23,012 ft over 61.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 30.9 mi · 51%
  • Downhill 26.8 mi · 44%
  • Flat 2.6 mi · 4%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the PCT — California Section R take?

Most backpackers hike the PCT — California Section R in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 61.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the PCT — California Section R?

The PCT — California Section R climbs roughly 13,520 ft total — about 221 ft per mile, topping out near 7,090 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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