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My resupply strategy:

This was my resupply strategy for the PCT:

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  • For me a 'Resupply' consisted of some combination of:

    • ​Charging electronics​​​

    • Getting laundry done

    • Having a shower

    • Buying more food for the next section of trail

    • Eating (fresh) food / ice-cream whilst your there

    • Checking the internet / messages

    • Posting or picking up packages / gear

    • Replacing / fixing gear

    • Sleeping the night in a bed

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  • I always did my resupply in that order because of what took the longest

  • I was generally optimising for speed, so tried to spend as little time as possible in towns resupplying

  • Hitching added unneccary time and faff, and you're depending on other people, so I tried to avoid that where possible​

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  • Some people send lots of parcels to themselves on the trail - I didn't - because I didn't know what I'd want to eat, or how much, and I liked the suprise of finding out what food was available at each location, and the variety made a nice change 

  • USPS, UPS, FedEx are all different - the same place sometimes has different addresses depending which carrier you use, and some places only accept deliveries from certain carriers - so make sure to check Far-Out for the most up-to-date information and addresses

  • Post offices are generally shut on weekends - but you can get stuff sent to hotels, businesses, or trail angels houses​ instead​

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Southern California: Campo Mile 0 - Tehachapi Mile 566.5

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Campo

The start of the PCT - I started hiking immediately on arrival.​

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  • NOBO mile marker: 0 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles

  • How to Get There: Start of the PCT

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? There is a small general/convenience store called Campo Trading Post about 1-2 miles into the PCT, or you could stop here on the initial way to Campo as it's on the road in. The take-away deli sandwiches were massive and incredible – a great option for first meal on trail

  • Mail? Can mail things home from here

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Campground

  • Charging? Yes

 

Lake Morena

I ate a hot meal at the Oak Shores Malt Shop and only walked through the campground, but did stop for a shower.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 20 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.4 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Oak Shores Malt Shop is a convenience store 0.4 miles off trail that serves food and sells snacks/drinks. I stopped for lunch which was good

  • Mail? No

  • Showers? Campground with coin-operated showers. Definitely make the most of these as there are very few on-trail!

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Campground

  • Charging? Yes in Oak Shores Malt Shop

  • Other: The campground has water spigots you can use to fill up water bottles

 

Mount Laguna

I just spent the night at Burnt Rancheria Campground close to the trail. I didn't go into Mount Laguna itself as I arrived late, left early, and didn't need to.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 41.5 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles to Burnt Rancheria Campground. 0.8 miles to Mount Laguna Post Office

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Mount Laguna Store  

  • Restaurant? Yes in Mount Laguna - Pine House Cafe & Tavern, The Outpost

  • Mail? Yes - Mount Laguna Post Office, or the Mount Laguna Store accepts packages

  • Showers? Burnt Rancheria Campground has coin-operated showers. Definitely make the most of these as there are very few on-trail! Tiny House Block offers a hot shower and public restroom for guests not staying the night for $5

  • Laundry? Not at campground, only for guests at Tiny House Block

  • Lodging? Burnt Rancheria Campground, Tiny House Block (hostel)

  • Charging? Yes in the shower block at the campground, or for guests at Tiny House Block

 

Julian

I loved it here and would definitely recommend going. Well worth the hitch. I arrived in the morning and only stayed for an hour or two to eat and resupply before heading back to trail.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 77.3 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 12 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch from Scissors Crossing/Highway 78 at mile 77 of the PCT. I found this was a super easy hitch

  • Grocery Store? Jack's Grocery, Julian Market & Deli. Can do a full resupply here

  • Restaurant? Mom’s Pies famously offer a free slice of apple pie to PCT thru-hikers - very delicious and nice atmosphere of other hikers there too. I had breakfast at Miner's Diner which was also incredible

  • Mail? Yes - Julian Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging? Yes

  • Charging? Yes in Mom's pies and other restaurants

 

Warner Springs Community Resource Centre

I just went to the Warner Springs Community Resource Centre and didn't go into Warner Springs itself which is further down the road.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 109.5 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: On trail at Highway 79. Warner Springs town is 1.2 miles down the road

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Sells good selection of resupply options - could do a full resupply here

  • Restaurant? Fridge/freezer with food you can buy. Microwave, toaster and kettle too. Good hiker box

  • Mail? Only Warner Springs Post Office which is in Warner Springs itself (1 mile down the road)

  • Showers? Yes

  • Laundry? There's bucket laundry

  • Lodging? Yes

  • Charging? Yes and Wi-Fi

 

Paradise Valley Café

I just had lunch here and refilled my water bottles. It’s owned by super lovely people and had great food. Can also hitch from here into Idyllwild and avoid otherwise having to walk off trail down Devil’s Slide side trail.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 151.8 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 1 mile

  • How to Get There: Walk down Highway 74

  • Grocery Store? No

  • Restaurant? Serves great food (if open)

  • Mail? Accepts packages - Could send micro spikes/ice-axe here before San Jacinto if needed (I didn't)

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Can camp on their deck overnight if you want

  • Charging? Yes

 

Idyllwild

Everyone says this is one of their favourite stops but IMO it's massively over-hyped. I had a nice ice-cream, needed to resupply, got laundry done and enjoyed a night in a bed - but it’s nothing special. I probably wouldn't have minded as much if I hadn't had to add 4km each way to get there from the trail - and it’s a super steep uphill on the way back!​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to get there: From Saddle Junction (mile 179.4) I walked the 2.5 mile Devil’s Slide trail to Humber Park Trailhead (very steep) and then hitched into town (2.5 miles). Otherwise could hitch 17 miles from Paradise Valley Cafe (mile 151.8)

  • Grocery Store? Fairway Market is a full grocery store

  • Restaurant? Lots. Idyllwild Ice Cream Shop was very good

  • Mail? Yes - Idyllwild Post Office

  • Showers? Idyllwild Campground (tokens required)

  • Laundry? There is a laundromat - but I got mine done at Idyllwild Inn where I stayed

  • Lodging? I stayed at Idyllwild Inn which was nice, and it had a good list of trail angels and a hiker box

  • Charging? Yes

 

Mount San Jacinto Hiker's Haven at White Water

This is a very weird place but run by a nice lady. It's just her house, and she rents out 3 rooms which have proper beds, or you can sleep on the garage floor for $20. The garage was very hot and stuffy and had ants on the floor, so I ended up sleeping in the living room on the couch. I arrived about 8:30pm once it was dark outside, and there's nowhere else to stay around here - it's the windiest place in the world and Interstate 10 is a massive highway that's really loud, so I basically had to stay here even though it was weird. In retrospect hot food and a nice shower was nice.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 209.5 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it’s on the PCT

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? No but she offers coffee/fruit/snacks/frozen pizza and there was a good hiker box

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Big Bear Lake/Big Bear City

I didn’t go into Big Bear which is a full-service town as there was a trail angel at the Highway 18 Access Point who gave me loads of food. This is one of the few places I didn't resupply at that did sound good though, and I would have gone to if I had more time/needed to​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 266.1 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 7.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch from Highway 18 Access Point

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Yes - Big Bear Lake Post Office or Big Bear Ski Haus

  • Showers? ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel or other lodging

  • Laundry? Laundromat, ITH Big Bear Hostel

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Cajon Pass

Everyone hypes this up, but really it's just a McDonalds. It was quite nice to talk to other thru-hikers though. I had a quick lunch here and left straight away to get to Wrightwood by nightfall​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 341.9 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.4 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Cajon Pass McDonald’s and Chevron Gas Station Convenience Store

  • Mail / Showers / Laundry / Lodging? No

  • Charging? Yes in McDonalds

 

Wrightwood

I really liked Wrightwood, it’s a super hiker-friendly town. In 2025 a fire closure meant that the PCT itself was shut and I had to hike right through here anyway and timing worked perfectly for me to spend the night here.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance off trail / How to Get There: Hitch 5.5 miles from Highway 2 at mile 369.4, or hike the 3 mile Acorn Trail at mile 363.3

  • Grocery Store? Jensen’s Market - full grocery store

  • Restaurant? Lots. FYI Village Grind offers free coffee/tea for PCT thru-hikers

  • Mail? Yes - Wrightwood Post Office

  • Showers? Yes in accommodation

  • Laundry? Yes at Grand Pine Cabins. Probably elsewhere too

  • Lodging? I stayed at Grand Pine Cabins which was incredible

  • Charging? Yes. Also there is a big bank by the picnic bench and microwave outside the grocery store that is free to use

  • Other? Mountain Hardware store has a list of trail angels, a place to charge your electronics, fuel cans to buy, etc.​

 

Action Camp (was LA Camping and RV Resort)

I didn't go here, but met some people who had. Agua Dulce is only 10 miles further along trail & on-trail, so a better stop IMO.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 444.3 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles to the RV Park

  • How to Get There: Walk down Soledad Canyon Road

  • Grocery Store? Small store with snacks and drinks

  • Restaurant? No

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - campsite and lodging

  • Charging? Yes

 

Acton

I didn't go here, but met some people who had. Agua Dulce is only 10 miles further along trail & on-trail, so a better stop IMO.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 444.3 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 22 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - It's a full service town

  • Mail? Yes - Acton Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Agua Dulce

I stayed the night at Serenity’s OASIS campground because that worked well for the time I arrived.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 454.5 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it’s on the PCT

  • Grocery Store? Sweetwater Farms Market is a full grocery store - but with quite a strong Mexican flavour. The much better resupply is actually at Serenity’s OASIS itself - better hiker friendly options and much cheaper

  • Restaurant? Yes - Maria Bonita (Mexican Restaurant), The Rustic Mercantile (coffee shop)

  • Mail? Can mail packages to Serenity’s OASIS and also post stuff home from here

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes at campground

  • Lodging? Serenity’s OASIS is a hiker-friendly campground that was quite nice

  • Charging? Yes

  • Other? There is a hardware store in town if you need anything like fuel cans, etc, but the campground had much better options so try there first

 

Hikertown

Very very weird place - I would have camped here if it was nice, but instead I just showered quickly, filled up my water bottles, and carried on 2km further and found a nice place to camp right by the Aqueduct.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 517.6 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it’s on the PCT

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? No - but Neenach Cafe & Market is 6 miles down the road and is a convenience store that also has a grill that serves burgers, fries, etc. There is a shuttle/car that drives hikers between the market and Hikertown

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes - just a hose

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - cabins and can camp

  • Charging? Yes

 

Tehachapi

The town is very non-descript but fine, and you can't really avoid having to go here to resupply. I spent the night here which was actually very nice to do ahead of the Sierra's. Alternatively, some people hitched 12 miles East to Mojave instead, but this is way smaller so I don't know why you'd go there over Tehachapi.​

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  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Can hitch 9 miles from Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd (mile 558.5), but I used the list of trail-angels there to organise a ride from the Highway 58 Overpass at mile 566.5 (also 9 miles) - you can't really hitch from here as it’s off the main road

  • Grocery Store? Walmart - FYI This does NOT accept card payments via your phone, so if you’re not a US resident you HAVE to take a physical card or you can't pay

  • Restaurant? Lots

  • Mail? Tehachapi Post Office - BUT this is quite a way outside the town itself so a pain to get to. I got my first new pair of shoes sent here

  • Showers? In accommodation

  • Laundry? Yes at the Best Western (coin-operated)

  • Lodging? Lots. I stayed at the Best Western which was good - laundry, free breakfast, and they had a hiker box

  • Charging? Yes​

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Sierra's: Tehachapi Mile 566.5 - Echo Lake Mile 1093

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Lake Isabella (or Ridgecrest)

I didn’t go to either of these, but if you want to break up the section between Tehachapi and Kennedy Meadows South, you can hitch a ride to either Ridgecrest or Lake Isabella from Walker Pass.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 653.3 miles

  • Distance Off Trail: 20 miles to Lake Isabella. 26 miles to Ridgecrest

  • How to Get There: Hitch from Walker Pass

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - full service towns

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Kennedy Meadows South

There are basically two places here - Grumpy Bear's Retreat and Kennedy Meadows General Store (KMGS). I mailed my bear can, ice-axe and micro spikes to Grumpy Bear's since it had free package holding whereas Kennedy Meadows General Store charged, and although Grumpy's is further down the road and away from the trail, I managed to hitch there so it wasn't a problem. Right next door to Grumpy's is the Triple Crown Outfitters store which was incredible for a resupply - it has both all the food and all the gear options you could want. I actually ended up renting a BV450 as I realised my BV500 was much bigger than I needed. I had a great time at Grumpy's and would definitely go there again. I arrived about 8am and left the same day at 2pm.​ If you want to summit Mt Whitney, that's between here and the next resupply option at Bishop/Independence, so you need to factor that in to food/timings if you want to do it - which I highly recommend. Sunrise from the summit was incredible. 

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 703.4

  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Grumpy Bears is 3.5 miles off trail down Sherman Pass Road. KMGS is 1 mile off trail down the same road

  • Grocery Store? Triple Crown Outfitters store is not a grocery store but is incredible for a full resupply. KMGS

  • Restaurant? Grumpy Bear’s Retreat - I had the best and biggest pancake for breakfast I've ever had in my life. KMGS

  • Mail? Can mail to Grumpy Bear’s Retreat or KMGS. I also sent things home from Grumpy's which was useful

  • Showers? Yes at Grumpy Bear’s or KMGS

  • Laundry? Yes at Grumpy Bear’s (but no dryer). KMGS

  • Lodging? Can camp at Grumpy Bear’s or KMGS

  • Charging? Yes and Wi-Fi

 

Bishop (or Independence or Lone Pine)

I resupplied in Bishop instead of Independence because everyone said Bishop was amazing and Independence had nothing. I have no idea what's in Lone Pine, but met a few people who had ended up there. Bishop is annoyingly far away (about an hours drive), and could require two hitches (on the way back I got one ride to Independence and then another up to the trailhead). I was crazy lucky with hitching there and back, but I was very worried about it all working out before hand. Bishop does have lots of amenities, but isn't really worth the trek IMO. Next time I would send a box to Independence or push through to JMR (although super expensive to send a box there). I arrived in Bishop about 11:30am and left at 3:30pm the same day.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: You have to walk 7.6 miles to Onion Valley Campground via Kearsage Pass on either the Bullfrog Lake trail (mile 789.7) or the Kearsage Pass trail (mile 790.3) - whilst this is annoyingly far off trail and over a massive hill - the views are stunning which more than makes up for it. Then you have to hitch a ride to Independence (13 miles), Bishop (55 miles) or Lone Pine (29 miles)

  • Grocery Store? Bishop has a Vons Grocery Store - this is annoyingly far from the centre of town so I actually hitched there and back. Independence does not have a grocery store

  • Restaurant? Bishop has lots

  • Mail? Bishop has a post office (I sent things home from here). Independence also has a post office

  • Showers? I showered at The Hostel California in Bishop

  • Laundry? Not at The Hostel California, but there is a coin-operated laundromat just down the road that I used

  • Lodging? Lots. I didn't stay at Hostel California, but for $5 you can spend time there during the day whilst doing a resupply

  • Charging? Yes

 

John Muir Ranch

I didn't intend to stop here, but realised I didn't buy enough food in Bishop. The hiker box here was incredible and I got SO much food and it massively saved me. There is a backpacker resupply store but it only has gear (lots of it) and no food or drink. I only stopped here for an hour or so whilst I ate loads of food, charged a bit, and repacked my bag.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 858.9

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? No

  • Mail? You can send yourself a resupply bucket but is very expensive and must be sent 3 weeks prior to arrival

  • Showers? Only for guests. Apparently there are hot springs nearby but I didn't really look

  • Laundry? Only for guests

  • Lodging? Yes

  • Charging? Yes - big bank by the back-packer resupply store

 

Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR)

I didn't go here as it's pretty far off trail and a hassle to get to.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 879.9

  • Distance Off Trail: Walk 1.5 miles to the VVR ferry landing, or walk 7.3 miles to VVR by trail

  • How to Get There: Walk, or walk + boat

  • Grocery Store? Camp store

  • Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Red's Meadow Resort

Need to check when they open because it's surprisingly late in the season. When I arrived they technically hadn't opened yet, but had only soft opened just for hikers. I stayed here for an hour or so whilst I ate food and charged.​ It's an amazing place. 

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 907.8

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Red’s Meadow has a small camp store but could resupply here

  • Restaurant? Yes - Mule House Café - it’s amazing

  • Mail? Does not get mail delivery but for a fee, will fetch mail in Mammoth Lakes and store it until you arrive

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - campsites and hiker cabins

  • Charging? Yes

 

Mammoth Lakes

I didn't go into Mammoth Lakes as I'd been before and couldn't be bothered with the hassle when Red's Meadows has everything you'd need and is basically on trail.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: From mile 907.8 hike 0.5 miles to Red's Meadows Resort, then take the bus or hitch to Mammoth Lakes (14 miles) - but the road has been shut in recent years so need to check this is an option. Otherwise from mile 904.5 you can hike 3.5 miles on the Horseshoe Lake Trail over Mammoth Pass to Horseshoe Lake, and then hitch a ride or take the free bus to Mammoth lakes (5 miles)

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - it's a full service town

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Tuolumne Meadows

I arrived 2 minutes before the grill shut so ate food, bought food from the store, and left pretty much immediately. Could hitch down into Yosemite Valley (53 miles) if you wanted, or to Lee Vining (20 miles)​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 943.7

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.5 miles down Tioga Road

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Camp store but not great resupply options. Good fridge/freezer section though

  • Restaurant? Tuolumne Meadows Grill does burgers and ice cream - very yummy

  • Mail? Yes - Tuolumne Meadows Store & Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? No - and you have to hike at least 4 miles in either direction from here before you're allowed to camp

  • Charging? Yes - there's a bank inside the store

 

Kennedy Meadows North Resort & Packstation

I really liked Kennedy Meadows North - and even though its quite far off-trail the drive there/back has really cool landscapes.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1018.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 10 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch down Highway 108 from Sonora Pass to the packstation. KMN does run shuttles to/from the trail head but only at certain times. As its just one road, its quite an easy hitch

  • Grocery Store? There's a really good camp store there, but it is expensive. I did a full resupply here

  • Restaurant? Yes, and the self-service soft-serve in the shop is incredible

  • Mail? Will accept packages & can send your bear-can back to Kennedy Meadows South from here if you rented it from there

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging / Charging? Can pay to camp at the resort's campground ($40) or to stay in one of their yurts

 

South Lake Tahoe

Most people do stop here but I didn't because I've been before and don't really like it - it's basically a resort city with lots of casinos and very commercial and touristy which is a shock anyways, but felt especially discombobulating after the trail.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: From Highway 50 (mile 1091.9) hitch or Uber 12 miles, from Echo Lake (1093.4) hitch or Uber 14 miles

  • Grocery Store? Yes - Safeway, Raley's, Whole Foods

  • Restaurant? Yes - lots

  • Mail? Yes - South Lake Tahoe Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes, available in accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes - lots   

  • Other: Pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid, Safeway), hospitals, ATMs, Uber

 

Echo Lake & Chalet

I stopped here for lunch as I was passing through, and really liked it. 

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1093.4

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it’s on the PCT

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? There is a small store where you could get a minor resupply, snacks, drinks, and also fresh food and deli sandwiches. I also had an ice-cream.

  • Mail? The store has a post office BUT WILL NOT accept resupply packages

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes  

  • Charging? No​

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Northern California: Echo Lake Mile 1093 - Oregon border Mile 1693

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Tahoe City​

This was quite a rogue choice given it adds 8 miles extra hiking and requires a hitch, but Tahoe City is one of my favourite places ever and I realised I could get here for my birthday. This was the only place on the whole trail I took a zero.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1143

  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hike 4 miles down the Granite Chief Trail to Palisades, and then hitch 8 miles from Olympic Village into Tahoe City

  • Grocery Store? Yes - Safeway in Tahoe City, Alice's Mountain Market in Palisades

  • Restaurant? Lots. Tahoe City - Rosie's Café, Za's Lakefront, Jake's On The Lake, Poppy's, Little Truckee Ice Creamery, Mountain Slice Pizzeria and Creamery, Sugar Pine Cakery & Café, Shadyside Lounge. In Palisades - Wildflour Baking Company, Euro Sweets (the best ice-cream of the whole trip)

  • Mail? Yes - Tahoe City Post Office (I sent things home from here)

  • Showers? In accommodation

  • Laundry? Lost Sock Laundromat in Tahoe City

  • Lodging? Lots - I stayed at Mother Nature's Inn in Tahoe City, and at Red Wolf Lodge in Palisades

  • Charging? Yes

  • Other: Tahoe City has a big CVS pharmacy. There are lots of gear shops too. In Tahoe City - Alpenglow Sports is incredible and I replaced my poles and got new shoes here (it also has a hiker box), there is also Tahoe Dave's and Olympic Bike Shop. In Palisades - The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, Parallel Mountain Sports

 

Donner Ski Ranch​

I didn't stop here because I didn't need to and didn't want to waste time, but its not far off-trail and I heard good things.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1154.5

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles down Donner Pass Road

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? No

  • Restaurant? Yes - And any PCT hiker who shows their permit and ID gets a free 40oz beer

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - bunks

  • Charging? Yes

 

Truckee/Soda Springs​

I didn't stop here because I didn't need to, but have wanted to go for a while as I always here good things - especially from the X-Country ski scene in the winter as Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort is nearby.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: From mile 1154.5 (Donner Pass Road) hitch 8 miles West to Truckee, or 3.5 miles East to Soda Springs

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - lots

  • Mail? Yes - Truckee Post Office

  • Showers? In accommodation

  • Laundry? Laundrette - Mountain Fresh at Truckee Laundry. Technical Equipment Cleaners (TEC) can also clean and re-fluff cold sleeping bags, do tent and gear repairs, fix broken zippers and do re-waterproofing

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Sierra City​

I pulled in here to pick up a package, send things home from the post office, resupply and eat some food - I was here for maybe 2 hours total. This was the place I first got introduced to Off The Farm bars - my favourite snack of the whole trip​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1196.5

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk or hitch

  • Grocery Store? Sierra City Country Store has everything you need for a resupply

  • Restaurant? Sierra City Country Store has a grill with amazing burgers and milkshakes

  • Mail? Yes - Sierra City Post Office or the Sierra City Country Store accepts packages. The lady who works at the post office here is so kind and helpful but FYI the Post Office has short hours

  • Showers? Yes in the public restrooms

  • Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - Old Sierra City Hotel

  • Charging? Yes - there is a big bank to the left of the Country Store which is also where the hiker box is

 

Quincy​

I didn't stop here but met a few people who had.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch - Quincy is 22 miles from mile 1236.5 (Quincy-La Porte Road), or 13 miles from mile 1269.6 (Bucks Lake Rd)

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - Quincy is a full service town

  • Mail? Quincy has a Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

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Bucks Lake​

I didn't stop here but met a few people who had.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch - Bucks Lake is 2.7 miles from mile 1265.2 (Big Creek Rd) or 4.1 miles from mile 1269.6 (Bucks Lake Rd)

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Bucks Lake General Store has a small selection of food for a light resupply or snacks, there is also Haskins Store and Lake Resort

  • Mail? Bucks Creek General Store accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? No 

  • Lodging? Bucks Lake has a campground

  • Charging? Yes

 

Caribou Crossroad's (or Belden)​

Belden Town Resort is on trail and Caribou Crossroads is down the road. Belden is a very weird and creepy vibe so we went to Caribou, which was still a bit weird but less creepy and the owners were friendly. Spent maybe 3 hours here doing a resupply, eating, charging, washing and showering. We didn’t stay the night and hiked out in the evening once it began to cool off a bit to start the big climb out of Belden, and camped 9 miles up at a campsite in the woods.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1288.6

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.6 miles to Caribou. Belden is on trail

  • How to Get There: Walk or hitch

  • Grocery Store? Caribou Crossroads has a small camp store which you can do a full resupply at, but the snacks are limited. Belden Town Resort has a convenience store

  • Restaurant? Yes Caribou serves hot food and ice cream

  • Mail? Caribou Crossroads accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes at Caribou but very expensive for what you got

  • Laundry? Yes at Caribou but was really slow

  • Lodging? Could camp for a fee at Caribou as its an RV park but it was a weird vibe. Could camp for a fee at Belden Town Resort or pay for a room

  • Charging? Yes

 

Chester​

I didn't stop here but met a few people who did as its not too far off trail​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1332.8

  • Distance Off Trail: 8 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch down Highway 36

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - it's a full service town

  • Mail? Yes - Chester Post Office

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Drakesbad Guest Ranch​

This was shut when I came past but I heard good things​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1351.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.25 miles

  • How to Get There: Hike

  • Grocery Store? Lodge has a small store with some food/snacks/drinks

  • Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? No - does not accept packages

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Old Station Fill-Up (or Old Station)​

We just stopped at the gas station Fill Up to get some lunch - and were maybe here for 45 minutes - worth it for a cold drink as so close to trail. Also cool to check out Subway Cave on the way back to the PCT as its quite cool. In retrospect the General Store in the town might have been a shorter detour off-trail.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1378.8 for Old Station Fill-up. 1374.9 for Old Station town

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.5 miles to the Fill Up from mile 1379. 0.2 miles to Old Station town from mile 1375

  • How to Get There: Fill up - Walk down Highway 44 then turn left onto Highway 89 from mile 1379

  • Grocery Store? Old Station Fill Up is a gas station store so can resupply and get snacks/drinks/ice-cream but there aren't lots of options. JJ's Café is next door but was closed when we were there. Old Station town has a general store and Rim Rock Ranch has a food truck

  • Restaurant? No. Old Station town has a Post Office but that is 3 miles back

  • Mail? No

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Not at the Fill Up. The Town has Hat Creek Resort and a campground

  • Charging? Probably if you ask

 

Burney Mountain Guest Ranch​

I stopped here for 2 hours to do a resupply - ate a good lunch and had an ice cream, showered and did laundry. Would recommend - the lady who runs this is lovely​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1411.3

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Has a really good resupply store. I did a ful resupply here

  • Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - campsites, private rooms, a cabin and a bunkhouse

  • Charging? Yes

 

Burney​

I didn’t go here, but met some people who did​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch - 7 miles from mile 1412.8, or 11 miles from mile 1419.5

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - it's a full service town

  • Mail? Yes - Burney Post Office

  • Showers? In accommodation

  • Laundry? Yes - Laundromat

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Burney Falls General Store​

Burney Falls in the State Park are worth the short side trip to see. The General Store was shut when I was there, but I know people that mailed boxes there.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1420.6

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? General store with snacks

  • Restaurant? Serves some hot food

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes - token operated in the campground

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - campground

  • Charging? No​

 

Dunsmuir or Mount Shasta​

I didn’t go to either of these because I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of hitching when I could resupply at the gas station Ammirati's Mmarket on trail, but met some people who did. I hear Shasta has a great gear shop if you need new shoes.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1502.7

  • Distance Off Trail: 4.5 miles to Dunsmuir. 14 miles to Mt Shasta

  • How to Get There: Hitch

  • Grocery Store / Restaurants? Yes - full service towns

  • Mail? Yes - Dunsmuir Post Office, Shasta Post Office (USPS). UPS and FedEx at Pages in Mt Shasta. Could prepare mail drops for Oregon from here

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Ammirati’s Market​

It's a gas station but pretty well stocked and I did a full resupply here, although they didn't have individual porridge sachets. There is a hiker box inside too.​

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1504

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.2

  • How to Get There: Walk - I had to follow a mini diversion from mile 1503 to mile 1505 that went right past it

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? It's a gas station - Can buy snacks/deli sandwiches/ice creams/drinks

  • Mail? Ammirati’s Market accepts packages. Castella Post Office is next door but has worse opening hours.

  • Showers? Not here, but yes in Castle Craggs campsite that you have to hike through nearby

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? No but Castle Craggs campsite is very close (have to hike through)

  • Charging? Yes

 

Etna​

I arrived about 5pm so decided to stay the night as I was pretty exhaused, and as it was a 100F heat-wave outside, air-conditioning sounded incredible. I also wanted to mail myself some packages up-trail in Oregon and needed to wait until the post office opened in the morning.  

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1601.2

  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Normally a 12 mile hitch down Sawyers Bar Road, but I walked as I had to detour around a fire-closure on a route that went right through town

  • Grocery Store? Yes - Ray's Grocery Store is better than the Dollar General

  • Restaurant? Yes - Farmhouse Bakery is incredible and does amazing ice-creams, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches.

  • Mail? Yes - Etna Post Office - the woman here was very unpleasant. I mailed myself resupply packages to Oregon from here

  • Showers? Etna City Park - buy shower tokens from Ray’s Grocery

  • Laundry? Yes - Laundromat by the RV park

  • Lodging? I stayed at The Bluebird Inn which was incredible

  • Charging? Yes

  • Other: Etna Creek Outfitters is a great gear shop and does free Darn Tough replacements

 

Seiad Valley

I arrived about 8am and had breakast at the café whilst I charged my devices and resupplied from the Store. I hadn’t realised the post office didn't open until 12pm so I never picked up my package as I didn't want to wait that long, & left town at 10am​.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1657.4

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it’s on the PCT

  • Grocery Store? Seiad Valley Store - lots of options for a full resupply

  • Restaurant? Seiad Café - I had an amazing pancake breakfast here

  • Mail? Yes - Seiad Valley Post office, but it didn't open until 12pm

  • Showers / Laundry? Available at Wildwood RV Park for a fee

  • Lodging? Camp at Wildwood RV Park for a fee

  • Charging? Yes

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Oregon: Border Mile 1693 - Washington Mile 2150

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Callahan's Lodge

I arrived here at 8:45pm and was so desparate for a hot meal, to wash my clothes, and to have a shower. I also had some packages to pick up that included my next pair of shoes. It's a bit noisy from the interstate, but all in all a great place to resupply and means you don't have to hitch into Ashland.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1719.2

  • Distance Off Trail: 1 mile

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Callahan's has a very small hotel store that has some snacks and it has a hiker box. Can't really resupply here

  • Restaurant? Callahan's has a restaurant - I had a great burger for dinner and amazing buffet breakfast in the morning, from which I managed to pack out loads of snacks for the day

  • Mail? Callahan's accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Can camp on the grass outside the hotel - bit noisy from traffic but totally fine

  • Charging? Yes

 

Ashland

Full service town - I didn't go here but know lots of people that did.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1719.2

  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: From mile 1719.2 walk 1 mile to Callahan's Lodge and then hitch 12 miles down I-5 into Ashland. Or from mile 1737.1 hitch 19 miles down Highway 66

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry? In accommodation

  • Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Hyatt Lake Resort

I got a hitch up the road with a really lovely couple. The lake is beautiful and the ice-cream was amazing. The guy that runs it was lovely and gave me some free snacks. I was here for about 30mins before the same couple gave me a lift back to the trailhead. Definitely worth the side trip.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1744.2

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.4 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk or hitch down Hyatt Prairie Road

  • Grocery Store? Camp store had lots of snack options but not for a full resupply

  • Restaurant? Camper's Cove restarant - I had an amazing ice-cream there and the pizzas looked good

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes in the nearby PCT Hyatt Lake campground

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - cabins and a nearby Hyatt Lake campground

  • Charging? Yes

 

Fish Lake Resort

I wanted to go here to get an ice-cream, but after 20 mins I couldn't get a hitch down the highway so I just kept going.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Walk 2 miles down Fish Lake Trail (mile 1774.7) or hitch 2.1 miles down Highway 140 (mile 1774.9)

  • Grocery Store? Camp store with snacks and drinks

  • Restaurant? Café with hot food/coffee/ice cream

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes

  • Lodging? Yes - Free hiker tent area, also cabins

  • Charging? Yes

 

Mazama Village / Crater Lake

I arrived here around 8pm and got some snacks from the store for dinner and picked up my package, had a shower and spent the night at the campground. There was a power cut in the morning so everything was shut, but it came back on around 10am so I charged devices for about an hour before hiking out. Definitely take the alternate trail by the rim - the views of Crater Lake are incredible.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1822.4

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.8 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk down Highway 62

  • Grocery Store? Camp store with lots snacks and drinks - could do a resupply here at a push. Also a hiker box in the store

  • Restaurant? Annie Creek Restaurant - I wanted to have breakfast here but there was a power cut so I couldn’t

  • Mail? Mazama Village Campground accepts packages. This was the first place I mailed myself a package to on the whole trail - in hindsight I could have managed from the store and hiker box

  • Showers? Yes - coin-operated in Mazama Campground

  • Laundry? Coin operated laundry available by the store

  • Lodging? Yes - Mazama Crater Lake Campground has a special area for PCT hikers

  • Charging? Yes - Charging station by the camp store or in the restaurant

 

Rim Village

I hiked up to the rim and had an ice-cream at the café, walked all around the rim trail to the junction of Rim Drive and North Entrance Road, from where I hitched a ride back to the café and hiked back down the Dutton Creek Trail to rejoin the PCT and hike the official trail. If you're only going to do one - 100% do the rim alternate - it's one of the best views all trail (although very touristy).

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1824.6

  • Distance Off Trail: 2.3 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk up the Dutton Creek Trail to the Rim Alternate

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Rim Village Café has sells snacks/drinks and fresh/hot food and ice creams. Also there is Crater Lake Lodge along the rim to the East, and there is a drinking fountain in the middle

  • Mail? No

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Crater Rim Lodge. You can't camp along the rim except for at the designated campsite - but the sunrise over Crater Lake looked incredible so could be worth staying there for that

  • Charging? Yes

 

Shelter Cove Resort

A really great place to stop - the lake is beautiful, the shop and restaurant are incredible, and you can get a shower and laundry done. Good hiker atmosphere too. We arrived about 10am and Ieft at 1pm.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1907.7

  • Distance Off Trail: 1 mile

  • How to Get There: Walk down the dirt road at Pengra Pass and then along Odell Lake

  • Grocery Store? Really good camp store - could do a full resupply easily

  • Restaurant? Yes - really good

  • Mail? Accepts packages - The 2nd place I sent myself a package to - in hindsight very unncessary as the store's amazing

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes - coin operated

  • Lodging? Yes - campsite is free

  • Charging? Yes

 

Elk Lake Resort

I came here because I needed more gas and also wanted an ice-cream which was one of the best on trail. The lake is beautiful and it’s a good vibe so worth the detour.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1954.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.2 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk down the Island Meadow Trail

  • Grocery Store? There is a camp store that has some hiker meals and snacks. I bought gas here

  • Restaurant? Yes - I had an incredible ice-cream (they serve Tillamook's), and the pizzas looked amazing

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes for a fee - but code operated so can probably get it off other hikers or Far Out

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - Campsite area for PCT hikers

  • Charging? Yes

 

Sisters / Bend

Both are full service towns. A few people I spoke to went to Sisters and lots went to Bend which did sound cool, but it's about an hours hitch which I didn't want to do.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch down Mackenzie Highway 242 (mile 1985.3) either 15 miles to Sisters, or 28 miles to Bend. From Highway 20 at Santiam Pass (mile 2002.4), hitch either 20 miles to Sisters or 43 miles to Bend

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes - lots

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

  • Other: Bend has an REI

 

Big Lake Youth Camp

This is a kids youth/summer camp right next to the PCT which has an amazing PCT Welcome Center building that is air-conditioned and has laundry, showers, lots of outlets, places to sit inside, a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, hiker box etc. Really cool vibe and definitely worth the tiny detour.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 1996.6

  • Distance Off Trail: 1.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? No

  • Restaurant? Yes - there are free meals at specific times of the day (when they serve the kids)

  • Mail? Accept packages - This is where I sent my third package to avoid needing to go into Bend. I had so much food left over from previous drops I didn't really need it

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes in the PCT Welcome Centre

  • Lodging? Yes - PCT hikers can camp for free near the lake

  • Charging? Yes in the PCT Welcome Centre

 

Olallie Lake Resort

I stopped here to buy snacks for lunch which I ate by the lake which is really pretty. Definitely worth the tiny detour.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2048.7

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.3 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Yes - really good selection but CASH ONLY

  • Restaurant? No

  • Mail? No

  • Showers / Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - cabins and can camp near the store

  • Charging? Yes - if you ask the cashier he let me charge devices behind the till

 

Government Camp

I didn't go here, but met some people who did.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch 7 miles down Highway 26 from mile 2089.7, or 5 miles down Mount Hood Highway 35 from mile 2094.9. From Timberline Lodge (mile 2100.1) - Hitch or the Mt Hood Express runs between Timberline Lodge and Government Camp

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Timberline Lodge

It's a ski lodge that was also used for the external shots of the hotel in movie The Shining. I arrived about 7:30pm and met some family friends for dinner. They had brought food which we ate inside the hotel whilst I charged my devices. I managed to find a warm shower in the pool area and then camped nearby, and came back to the hotel for the supposedly iconic buffet breakfast. In reality it was no different from any other buffet breakfast I'd had on trail, except it didn't even have Froot-Loops and also didn't start until 8am.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2100.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.2 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? No

  • Restaurant? Yes - buffet meals and a small café

  • Mail? Accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes - There is a cold PCT hiker shower in the Salmon River Parking Lot outside, or if you go into the guest only part there's a hot shower in the sauna

  • Laundry? No

  • Lodging? Yes - Rooms, or free campsite at the junction with the PCT a few 100m from the lodge which is where I camped

  • Charging? Yes

 

Cascade Locks

The Oregon-Washington border! I arrived about 12pm and based myself at the Best Western hotel - I picked up my package, put washing in and electronics on to charge whilst I had lunch and bought my resupply. I hiked out about 3pm.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2149.5

  • Distance Off Trail: 0 miles - it's on the PCT

  • Grocery Store? Yes - Columbia Market, but it didn't have loads of options when I was there and also had no electrolytes

  • Restaurant? Yes - I had an ice-cream from Eastwind Drive-In (sort of over-rated), and lunch at Brigham Fish Market (really good salmon chowder)

  • Mail? Yes - I had a package sent to The Best Western as I was arriving on a Saturday when the post office was shut. I was going to send myself my resupply packages for Washington from here, but I had to get my family friend to do that instead

  • Showers? Yes - Marine Park Campground

  • Laundry? Yes - Coin operated in the basement of The Best Western, or coin operated at Bridge of the Gods Motel

  • Lodging? Yes - Marine Park Campground or lodging in town

  • Charging? Yes

 

Stevenson / Hood River

I didn't go to either of these, but know that some people did and apparently the supermarkets were way better than in Cascade Locks - especially in Stephenson as it's only a 10 min drive away.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch from Cascade Locks - either 20 miles down Highway 30 (mile 2149.5) to Hood River (Oregon) or 5 miles down Highway 14 (mile 2150.1) to Stevenson (Washington)  

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes in both. Hood River has a Walmart

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

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Washington: Border Mile 2150 - Canada Mile 2655

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Trout Lake

I didn't go here because I figured I hike from Cascade Locks to White Pass in one big push as I wanted to avoid some bad weather and also having to hitch.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2201.1 (FS Road 60), 2217.9 (Twin Buttes Road), 2232.0 (FS Road 23)

  • Distance Off Trail: 13 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch or there is a scheduled shuttle from Forest Service Road 23 (mile 2232.0)

  • Grocery Store? Yes - Trout Lake Grocery

  • Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Trout Lake Grocery accepts packages

  • Showers? Yes - at Guler Mt. Adams County Park (local campground)

  • Laundry? Yes - at Trout Lake Grocery

  • Lodging? Guler Mt. Adams County Park Campground, Trout Lake Grocery and Church offer free camping, or lodging is available

  • Charging? Yes

 

White Pass Kracker Barrel Store

This is really just a store at a ski area with some lodging attached - but it absolutely saved me because it had been torrentially pouring with rain all day so I was completely soaked when I arrived. They let me do laundry in the nick of time before the store shut, I got a massive hot pizza for dinner, and got a cabin for the night as all my stuff was wet and I needed to dry everything out. I had breakfast back at the store, resupplied and hiked out about 9am. There is also a hiker box behind the store.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2298.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.5 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk down Highway 12

  • Grocery Store? Yes - The Store has everything you need for a full resupply

  • Restaurant? You can buy hot food (pizzas and burritos) from the store, and it has a frozen food and a microwave as well as fresh food. Also has seating inside the store

  • Mail? Accepts packages - I got my last pair of shoes sent here

  • Showers? Can shower by the store

  • Laundry? Yes - inside the store so only available during opening hours

  • Lodging? Free camping behind store, but I stayed at White Pass Village Inn

  • Charging? Yes

 

Packwood

I didn't go here as Kraker Barrel has everything you'd need, but know that some people did.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2298.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 20 miles

  • How to Get There: Hitch down Highway 12 from White Pass Kracker Barrel Store

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

 

Snoqualmie Pass

I arrived about 7:30pm and was so exhausted I stayed the night - this was also really the only option once I factored in how long it would take me to resupply before it got dark. I also desparately needed to back up my phone which requires being plugged in and on Wi-Fi overnight. I left about 8am straight after breakfast in the morning.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2396.3

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.2 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store? Yes - I did a full resupply from Lee's Summit Grocery. Chevron Convenience Store at the gas station also has snacks/drinks

  • Restaurant? Yes - I had a big breakfast at Summit Pancake House and Lounge and then got a deli sandwich from the Laconia Market to pack out for lunch

  • Mail? Chevron Convenience Store at the gas station accepts packages

  • Showers? In accommodation

  • Laundry? Coin operated in Summit Inn

  • Lodging? I stayed at Summit Inn because I wanted my own room, and it also has a hiker box right in the entrance. Lots of people stayed at Washington Alpine Club (WAC) but I'd heard of a norovirus outbreak when I was there which I wanted to avoid as its shared bunk rooms

  • Charging? Yes - theres a seating area and charging bank in Lee's Summit Grocery

 

Steven's Pass Ski Resort

This is really just the base station of a ski resort. There's not much there, but helpfully accept packages and let you charge.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2466.9

  • Distance Off Trail: 0.1 miles

  • How to Get There: Walk

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? There is a small café inside that sells coffee/ice cream and very limited snacks

  • Mail? Accepts packages - This is where I sent my first Washington resupply to, which was needed to avoid having to hitch into Leavenworth as there was no other options on site

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging? No

  • Charging? Yes

 

Leavenworth or Skykomish

Full service towns - I didn't go to either of these but know of people that did - especially Leavenworth which is a unique town modelled on a Bavarian Village attracting lots of tourists.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: From Stevens Ski Pass (mile 2466.9), hitch either 35 miles West to Leavenworth or 16 miles East to Skykomish

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant? Yes

  • Mail? Yes

  • Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? Yes

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Stehekin

This was my favourite resupply stop of the whole trip, and my last. Lake Chelan is so beautiful, it's so remote that it's such a good vibe and everyone is so friendly and hangs out together. I had a big nero here to avoid torrential rain, as I only hiked 8km on the first morning to get to the shuttle stop, and then took the first shuttle out the next morning back to the trailhead (again via the bakery!)

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2575.1

  • Distance Off Trail: 11 miles

  • How to Get There: A shuttle bus leaves from High Bridge mile 2575.1 of the PCT 4 times a day, and goes to Stehekin down a dirt road via the Stehekin Bakery

  • Grocery Store? North Cascades Lodge has a camp store which you could do a full resupply at, it's just crazy expensive

  • Restaurant? Stehekin Bakery is iconic. North Cascades Lodge has a good restaurant

  • Mail? Yes - Stehekin Post Office. I had sent a box here, which wasn't really necessary as the Lodge had everything and even though expensive it's not far to go from here

  • Showers / Laundry? Yes - Coin operated at public facility

  • Lodging? We stayed in a cabin at North Cascades Lodge because it rained heavily that night and didn't want to get wet. Can camp at Lakeview Campground or Purple Point Campground

  • Charging? Yes - there is a big bank in a covered shelter by the road below the Lodge restaurant

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Mazama

Mazama / Lion's Den is an incredible place to end the trail. I stayed one night there, and because you cross paths with lots of people on the out and back from Hart's Pass to the border, lots of people you know from the trail or from Stehekin roll in to town throughout the day so its very social. From here it was about a 4 hour hitch/ride to Seattle to fly out.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT / Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: Hitch 23 miles from Rainy Pass (mile 2594.3), or 19 miles from Hart's Pass (mile 2625.2). Rainy Pass has lots of traffic/day hikers, but Hart's Pass has way less so much better to arrange a ride. Hart's Pass is where you ended the PCT in 2025 (after hitting the border and turning around again because you couldn't enter Canada), so phoning shuttles for rides was quite common, or Lion's Den ran a shuttle (car) in the morning about 9 am which is what I got at the very end

  • Grocery Store? Mazama Store - very limited resupply snacks but could easily buy enough to get to the border and back if needed. Hiker box at Lion's Den is probably better

  • Restaurant? Mazama Store had an incredible bakery and café - supposedly a famous salted baguette but I didn't try it. Also Mazama Public House for dinner

  • Mail? No

  • Showers / Laundry? At Lion's Den

  • Lodging? Lion's Den Campground

  • Charging? Yes

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Northern Terminus

Literally nothing here except the Northern Terminus monument, and then in 2025 you had to turn around and hike 30.5 miles back to Hart's Pass to extract to Mazama as we couldn't enter Canada.

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  • NOBO mile marker of junction with PCT: 2655.2

  • Distance Off Trail / How to Get There: 0 - it's the Northern Terminus of the PCT

  • Grocery Store / Restaurant / Mail / Showers / Laundry / Lodging / Charging? No

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