PCT — Oregon Section E landscape

Photo: Photo by Porter Raab on Unsplash

PCT — Oregon Section E

~5 days · 74.7 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance74.7 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain9,190 ft
Gain / mile123 ft
High point6,909 ft

What the PCT — Oregon Section E is known for

PCT Oregon Section E crosses from Willamette Pass to McKenzie Pass, roughly 75 miles point-to-point through the Three Sisters Wilderness, passing the Obsidian area and finishing across raw lava flows. Classic gentle Oregon PCT grades and abundant lakes make it a popular 4-5 day section.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the PCT — Oregon Section E on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 16,588 ft to 22,549 ft over 74.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 34.0 mi · 45%
  • Downhill 34.1 mi · 46%
  • Flat 6.6 mi · 9%

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 — Oregon Section E take?

Most backpackers hike the PCT — Oregon Section E in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 74.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the PCT — Oregon Section E?

The PCT — Oregon Section E climbs roughly 9,190 ft total — about 123 ft per mile, topping out near 6,909 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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