What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4 days of backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail Transportation to the trailhead and back Meals (as indicated in the itinerary) Snacks, tea, and coffee Group camping gear (water filter, stove and fuel canisters, toilet paper and waste bags, bear canister, travel trowel) Backpacking tent (let us know if you plan on using your own tent in advance, and who you are planning on sharing a tent with, if traveling with others) Trekking poles Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip (starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 4) Snacks (select options available, you are encouraged to bring your own!) Tea, coffee, and hot cider First aid kit What’s not included: Transportation to Oregon Backpacking sleeping bag and pad Accommodation prior to and after the tour Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

While no backpacking experience is necessary, good physical fitness is a must ! Participants must be able to hike up to 10 miles a day up moderate inclines while carrying a 40lb (or heavier) pack . Your guides will teach you everything you need to know about backpacking. The importance of proper physical training cannot be emphasized enough! By arriving with your heart, lungs, and legs in top condition, you maximize your potential for a backpacking trip and your ability to enjoy the wilderness. You’ll be carrying group gear to ensure a safe and successful adventure. Part of backpacking is learning what you do and don’t need, and your guides are here to help you finetune your pack load so it will be manageable for you to carry on your adventure. Group gear will be an additional 5-10 lb to your pack. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying your own tent, sleeping bag/pads, clothing, backpack, etc. There are several routes your guides have in mind, some totally beginner-friendly, some a bit more intermediate. So if you’re looking for a challenge, there will be a route for you! Beginner-friendly routes require good physical fitness and the ability to hike up to 10 miles a day over easy to moderate terrain with a 40 lb backpack. No backpacking experience is necessary. Intermediate routes require good physical fitness with some backpacking experience. Participants must be able to hike up 10 miles a day over challenging terrain and steep elevation gains while carrying a 40 lb pack. Dry camping will be involved, this requires you to carry up to 4-6L of water for stretches on the trip.

What do I need to bring?

Backpacking gear Backpack 55 to 70 liter capacity Backpacking sleeping bag – 20°F to 40°F (down will be warmer, lighter and more compressible than synthetic sleeping bags) Backpacking sleeping pad Packable pillow – inflatable or compressible One pair of clean sleeping socks Headlamp and extra batteries Stuff sacks or waterproof dry bags – for gear and food organization Trash compactor bag – to use as a waterproof backpack liner Clothing ( all clothing should be synthetic or wool) Sun hat Warm beanie Sunglasses Bandana or neck gaiter Hiking shirt Fleece, down, or synthetic packable jacket (no ski jackets please) Hiking shorts or convertible pant Waterproof outer shell jacket and pants Lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes (broken-in, and sturdy enough for trail use) Hiking socks (3 pairs), pro tip: leave a clean pair to live in your sleeping bag to ensure a clean and dry pair of socks to change into at end of the day Underwear and sports bra (2-3 pair) Swim suit (optional — many choose to go in shorts and sports bra) Thin gloves for warmth Top and bottom base layers Personal items Water bottles or hydration bladder (2-4 liters total) Additional “backup” water storage (this is an extra 2 liters for water-scarce sections. Having a collapsable solution will save space in your pack) Utensils and dinnerware Lightweight mug, plate or bowl Spork (or fork and spoon separate) and a knife Small lighter Ear plugs Eye mask Personal medications (enough for your trip and two extra days) Menstrual products Urinary products Sunscreen SPF-rated lip balm Toiletries Cash for gratuity (at your discretion) Hand sanitizer Wet wipes Face covering (when riding inside the vans) Quick-dry camp towel Insect repellent and/or mesh head covering Optional items (r emember that the more you bring, the more weight that you are carrying on your back, don’t underestimate how every little ounce begins to add up!) Lightweight camp shoes with a backstrap (Crocs are a great example!) Backpacking camp chair Sleeping bag liner (provides extra warmth and comfort) Snacks, candies, and caffeine (for motivation in the trail) Headphones (for motivation in the trail) Packable lantern Rechargeable battery pack (recommended) Over-the-head bug net (recommended) Bear resistant food-storage canister or sack (will be provided) Extra blister treatment supplies (will be provided)

Can I rent equipment?

Of course! You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad, and if you don’t have your own, there are plenty of rental companies in Portland—the starting point of your tour. You can rent from LowerGear Rentals , Mountain Shop , Portland Paddle , or any other rental company in Portland. Make sure you make arrangements in time. Contact us if you need any help!

What's the food like?

All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 are included, including snacks. Your guides will provide a combination of meals cooked from scratch and pre-packaged trail meals and snacks. Upon booking, you will be provided with a waiver where you can notify them of your allergies and dietary restrictions. You are welcome to bring as much of your own food for the trip, as well as any other personal gear related to food preparation.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Service dogs are welcome on this trip, but just a heads up—weather and trail conditions could be challenging for canine companions. Generally, non-service dogs are only allowed on private trips, and accommodation cannot be guaranteed for a non-service canine. We are happy to discuss this with you, but the final decision on non-service canines would be dependent on the safety and comfort of our guides and other trip participants. Finally, your guides cannot take responsibility for the safety and comfort of dogs with respect to the outdoor elements.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this all-women backpacking tour along the Pacific Crest Trail, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to run. Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Portland, Oregon, most people fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) . From there, you have a 15-minute drive to your guide’s office in Troutdale. You’ll meet your guide and your fellow backpackers at 7 am on Day 1 a the guide’s office, 121 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060 at 8:00 am on day 1 of the tour. Their office entrance is located below and behind the storefronts in downtown Troutdale. Turn left off the main street immediately after the “Gateway to the Gorge” arch to access the lower parking lot.

Safety measures in Oregon

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

View of Mt Hood in the distance in summer, Oregon.

WIldflowers and a mointain in the background along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Tents set up lakeside at a resting spot on the Pacific Crest Trail.

A sign of the Pacific Crest Trail on a tree.

Trees looming over a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Red leaves and a lakeside view along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Pacific Crest Trail sign in Oregon Cascades Wilderness.

A mountain vista along the Pacific Crest Trail.

A hiker resting from a long day on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Temperate rainforest on the Pacific Crest Trail, Oregon.

Portland | Oregon

All-Women Backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail

5.00 ()

Season

June through August

Duration

4 days

Difficulty

Accommodation

Tents

Guides

Nastia Bendebury, Rare Earth Adventures

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $1,030 () / 4 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Where you'll stay
Reviews
Things to know

Picture this: a premier wilderness trek, summertime dips in the lake, and sleeping under the stars—all in the company of fierce women who are up for a challenge! This is a 4-day Backpacking 101 through Oregon’s share of the Pacific Crest Trail, an iconic footpath along West Coast’s backbone. While the complete trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, we’ll be doing a 30-mile portion of it, and as much as this trip is welcoming to backpacking beginners, good fitness is still a must! After hiking through lush temperate rainforest with views of the Cascades and scents of wildflowers, we’ll set up our camp and take a relaxing swim in crystal clear waters. Once you’ve felt the thrill of being off-the-grid, you’ll be planning your next backpacking trip before you know it!

Nastia Bendebury

Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder

Adventure highlights

Backpacking 101 & Leave No Trace

We'll cover backpacking basics, Leave No Trace principles, essential tips for outdoor survival, and much more
Hike along the iconic PCT

Experience a portion of West Coast’s greatest footpath stretching from Mexico to Canada
Scenic & lush landscapes

Explore rainforests, meadows, lakes, and the towering Mt. Hood volcano

Itinerary

Backpacking is one of the best ways to unwind and get in sync with nature, but there’s a bit of a learning curve if you want to go out on your own. Join an expert guide and like-minded women on this 4-day tour of the Pacific Crest Trail—or rather, just one spectacular part of it—and learn all there is to know about backpacking. Find out about the preparation process, wilderness survival, Leave No Trace principles, camp setup, nutrition on the trail, and so much more.

Your backpacking adventure begins at your guide’s office, where you’ll meet the rest of your team at 7 am. You’ll get dropped off at the trailhead, after which it’s just you, your guide and your group in the woods of the Pacific Northwest! Get ready for a hike to remember!

Meals: Lunch and dinner
During the course of your 4-day backpacking trip, you’ll traverse 25-30 trail miles (40-48 km) through lush temperate rainforest of the Pacific Crest Trail. Enjoy views of Mt. Hood, stop and smell the wildflowers, and soak in the lake after a long day of hiking. Let your guides teach you the basics of backpacking: preparation and planning, wilderness survival essentials, Leave No Trace principles, campsite selection and setup, backcountry nutrition, bear-safe food storage methods, and more! This being a summer tour only means one thing: mellowing out at the lake under the stars!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tread the last few miles of the trail until you reach the “frontcountry”. After a challenging, but infinitely rewarding few days, say goodbye to your team and your guide!

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Nastia Bendebury

Nastia has loved the wilderness since she saw the raw night sky full of stars in the Sierra Mountains. She has skied, climbed, and hiked her way across some of the most beautiful routes of North America, and is lucky enough to have landed as a guide in the Pacific Northwest — the place with some of the most luscious landscapes in existence.

5.00

From climbing Mt. Saint Helen’s to snowshoeing on Mount Hood, Rare Earth Adventures offers one-of-a-kind adventures. Their guides are certified Wilderness First Responders that will make sure your adventure is both safe and fun! They have been creating unique outdoor experiences since 2006.

Where you'll stay

Tents

You will spend your nights in tents, fully immersed in harmony with nature.

Your guides use 1- and 2-person tents. For the 2-person tents, the internal dimensions are just big enough for 2 standard sleeping pads to fit side by side. You are welcome to use your own tent as well!

Whether or not you’ll have to share a tent depends on a variety of factors—the number of people signed up for a trip, how many people are sharing a tent already, and who is bringing their own tent. Your guides would never suggest strangers share a tent, so participants traveling solo get priority for single tents.

Two of their most common models include MSR Elixir 2 and MSR Hubba Hubba 2.

5.00 (10 reviews)

Sonali Suryadevara (source: Google Reviews)

Few weeks back went on a women’s backpacking trip on the PCT. It was a great learning experience with our guides, Brett and Emily, who were so amazing. Both are such fun and enthusiastic women and they gave us a great overview of back-country backpacking. REA did an awesome job at organizing this whole trip. Julie was very helpful with providing the training plans and answering all the queries that I had. I would highly recommend REA for any hiking or backpacking trips. They are awesome!!

Outdoors Walker (source: Google Reviews)

This was a wonderful way to feel more confident backpacking. It was a lot of work and very rewarding. I had Alexis as my guide. She was helpful and full of information. Always watchful if you needed help, there to answer any questions (and we had a lot), connected with each of us. I was a single traveler. I felt very comfortable and included in all aspects of the trip. The portion of the PCT we did was spectacular.

Lorri Newman (source: Google Reviews)

I just completed an all girls trip w/ Misha as my guide , and I can’t say in enough words how fabulous this experience was for me. Misha was experienced w/ a novice group of women, she offered training in areas of navigation, water purification, setting up tents, making our food, and she even helped us learn how to do a proper bear hang.

I feel like this trip offered me an opportunity to learn new skills ,and because of the comfort of the group members as a whole, we were able to form a strong bond w/ one another.

I would highly recommend this trip to women looking for a unique, fulfilling and memorable experience !

Shannon Moore (source: Google Reviews)

Just went on an awesome 4-day backpacking trip on the PCT with REA. REA was so helpful in the planning and preparing for the trip – everything from training hike suggestions to a packing list (and they had some gear to borrow if you didn’t have everything!). The guides on the trail were amazing, fun, and knowledgeable – especially Misha! I highly recommend REA for any short or long hiking, backpacking, or climbing trip you might be considering in their area!

Kati Parker

I would backpack the PCT or anywhere else with this company again in a heartbeat. Our guide, Lindsey, was completely on top of everything. I never worried about a thing because she had it handled. There were a few hick-ups with the gear the first night and she calmly took care of it. It was a great learning experience. She taught me some new tricks and I am confident to backpack on my own from now on. The trip was amazing!!! This kind of trip attracts a special kind of woman and we all just clicked. I knew I would make new friends on this trip as I went solo, but this was beyond my expectations!! I would totally do this again and again.

Barbara Elmer

Lindsey was a fantastic guide for our PCT Oregon hike. knowledgeable, patient and informative with the basic skills needed to start hiking. Fantastic trip.

Amy Speis

Our guides Serena and Morgan were AWESOME! They had so much experience and skills to teach us. They were very accommodating of any special needs medically, dietary, and skill levels. Super time! Recommend for all beginner hikers wanting to challenge themselves and experience true life and freedom.

Lindsay Flammer

Guides were amazing. I would recommend hiking with these two women anywhere! Loved the area and the trails. Camp spots were beautiful. Only wish mileage was a little longer.

Magical Experience on the PCT

Shirley B (source: TripAdvisor)

The women’s beginner backpacking trip on the PCT was magical. Our guides Kaylee and Nastia were phenomenal in every way — supportive, encouraging, patient, and so knowledgable about not only backpacking and camping, but also about the forest and all of the nature surrounding us. I cannot recommend this trip enough for any woman feeling uncertain about backpacking or hitting a trail. You’ll leave with confidence and a renewed belief that you can do hard things…and have lots of fun!

Unforgettable

Della T (source: TripAdvisor)

I will never forget the experience. I gained do much – knowledge about backpacking, how to be self sufficient in the backcountry, faith and confidence that my body CAN do hard things, at this time in my life, I needed that reminder- our guides were incredible- sensitive, strong, funny, supportive. I loved it!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4 days of backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail
  - Transportation to the trailhead and back
  - Meals (as indicated in the itinerary)
  - Snacks, tea, and coffee
  - Group camping gear (water filter, stove and fuel canisters, toilet paper and waste bags, bear canister, travel trowel)
  - Backpacking tent (let us know if you plan on using your own tent in advance, and who you are planning on sharing a tent with, if traveling with others)
  - Trekking poles
  - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trip (starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 4)
  - Snacks (select options available, you are encouraged to bring your own!)
  - Tea, coffee, and hot cider
  - First aid kit
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Oregon
  - Backpacking sleeping bag and pad
  - Accommodation prior to and after the tour
  - Guide gratuities — optional
While no backpacking experience is necessary, good physical fitness is a must! Participants must be able to hike up to 10 miles a day up moderate inclines while carrying a 40lb (or heavier) pack. Your guides will teach you everything you need to know about backpacking. The importance of proper physical training cannot be emphasized enough! By arriving with your heart, lungs, and legs in top condition, you maximize your potential for a backpacking trip and your ability to enjoy the wilderness.

You’ll be carrying group gear to ensure a safe and successful adventure. Part of backpacking is learning what you do and don’t need, and your guides are here to help you finetune your pack load so it will be manageable for you to carry on your adventure. Group gear will be an additional 5-10 lb to your pack. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying your own tent, sleeping bag/pads, clothing, backpack, etc.

There are several routes your guides have in mind, some totally beginner-friendly, some a bit more intermediate. So if you’re looking for a challenge, there will be a route for you!
- Beginner-friendly routes require good physical fitness and the ability to hike up to 10 miles a day over easy to moderate terrain with a 40 lb backpack. No backpacking experience is necessary.
- Intermediate routes require good physical fitness with some backpacking experience. Participants must be able to hike up 10 miles a day over challenging terrain and steep elevation gains while carrying a 40 lb pack. Dry camping will be involved, this requires you to carry up to 4-6L of water for stretches on the trip.
Backpacking gear
- - Backpack 55 to 70 liter capacity
  - Backpacking sleeping bag – 20°F to 40°F (down will be warmer, lighter and more compressible than synthetic sleeping bags)
  - Backpacking sleeping pad
  - Packable pillow – inflatable or compressible
  - One pair of clean sleeping socks
  - Headlamp and extra batteries
  - Stuff sacks or waterproof dry bags – for gear and food organization
  - Trash compactor bag – to use as a waterproof backpack liner
Clothing (all clothing should be synthetic or wool)
- - Sun hat
  - Warm beanie
  - Sunglasses
  - Bandana or neck gaiter
  - Hiking shirt
  - Fleece, down, or synthetic packable jacket (no ski jackets please)
  - Hiking shorts or convertible pant
  - Waterproof outer shell jacket and pants
  - Lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes (broken-in, and sturdy enough for trail use)
  - Hiking socks (3 pairs), pro tip: leave a clean pair to live in your sleeping bag to ensure a clean and dry pair of socks to change into at end of the day
  - Underwear and sports bra (2-3 pair)
  - Swim suit (optional — many choose to go in shorts and sports bra)
  - Thin gloves for warmth
  - Top and bottom base layers
Personal items
- - Water bottles or hydration bladder (2-4 liters total)
  - Additional “backup” water storage (this is an extra 2 liters for water-scarce sections. Having a collapsable solution will save space in your pack)
  - Utensils and dinnerware
  - Lightweight mug, plate or bowl
  - Spork (or fork and spoon separate) and a knife
  - Small lighter
  - Ear plugs
  - Eye mask
  - Personal medications (enough for your trip and two extra days)
  - Menstrual products
  - Urinary products
  - Sunscreen
  - SPF-rated lip balm
  - Toiletries
  - Cash for gratuity (at your discretion)
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Wet wipes
  - Face covering (when riding inside the vans)
  - Quick-dry camp towel
  - Insect repellent and/or mesh head covering
Optional items (remember that the more you bring, the more weight that you are carrying on your back, don’t underestimate how every little ounce begins to add up!)
- - Lightweight camp shoes with a backstrap (Crocs are a great example!)
  - Backpacking camp chair
  - Sleeping bag liner (provides extra warmth and comfort)
  - Snacks, candies, and caffeine (for motivation in the trail)
  - Headphones (for motivation in the trail)
  - Packable lantern
  - Rechargeable battery pack (recommended)
  - Over-the-head bug net (recommended)
  - Bear resistant food-storage canister or sack (will be provided)
  - Extra blister treatment supplies (will be provided)
Of course! You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad, and if you don’t have your own, there are plenty of rental companies in Portland—the starting point of your tour. You can rent from LowerGear Rentals, Mountain Shop, Portland Paddle, or any other rental company in Portland. Make sure you make arrangements in time. Contact us if you need any help!
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 are included, including snacks.

Your guides will provide a combination of meals cooked from scratch and pre-packaged trail meals and snacks. Upon booking, you will be provided with a waiver where you can notify them of your allergies and dietary restrictions. You are welcome to bring as much of your own food for the trip, as well as any other personal gear related to food preparation.
Service dogs are welcome on this trip, but just a heads up—weather and trail conditions could be challenging for canine companions.

Generally, non-service dogs are only allowed on private trips, and accommodation cannot be guaranteed for a non-service canine. We are happy to discuss this with you, but the final decision on non-service canines would be dependent on the safety and comfort of our guides and other trip participants.

Finally, your guides cannot take responsibility for the safety and comfort of dogs with respect to the outdoor elements.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this all-women backpacking tour along the Pacific Crest Trail, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 5 people for this tour to run.
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Portland, Oregon, most people fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, you have a 15-minute drive to your guide’s office in Troutdale.

You’ll meet your guide and your fellow backpackers at 7 am on Day 1 a the guide’s office, 121 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060 at 8:00 am on day 1 of the tour. Their office entrance is located below and behind the storefronts in downtown Troutdale. Turn left off the main street immediately after the “Gateway to the Gorge” arch to access the lower parking lot.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.

With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest. Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. This is the following cancellation and refund policy:
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
If you book a private tour, a 30% deposit is to be paid upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest. Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. For private tours, this is the following cancellation and refund policy:
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 180 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations from 90 to 179 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
  - Keep in mind that the price quoted for private bookings would be a fixed minimum price, meaning that if one person from your own group drops out, a refund will not be given. However, the group is welcome to replace the dropped person with someone else. The group is also welcome to add participants, but that would trigger an additional charge.