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Escape the daily grind and venture into Oregon’s untouched wilderness for a backpacking adventure! Over four days, we’ll traverse a 30-mile portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, the most trodden path of the West, and camp out in the backcountry. If you’ve never spent a night in the wilderness yet, don’t worry—we’re here to teach you all the basics, Leave No Trace principles, and more! The path is as scenic as it gets, and all that’s required is that you’re fit enough to cover up to 10 miles a day. The rewards? Views of the celestial Mt. Hood, dips in crystalline lakes, strolling through meadows flooded with wildflowers… It’s an experience that will stick with you for life! If you’d rather be in the company of like-minded adventurous women, check out our all-women backpacking tour through the Pacific Crest Trail.

Colt Peeters
Colt Peeters
Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder

Adventure highlights

  • One of the 11 National Scenic Trails
    This is a 30-mile portion of the 2,650-mile-long National Scenic Trail
  • Backpacking 101 & Leave No Trace
    We'll cover backpacking basics, Leave No Trace principles, essential tips for outdoor survival, and much more
  • Scenic & lush landscapes
    Explore rainforests, meadows, lakes, and the towering Mt. Hood volcano
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Itinerary

Get a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail, a footpath along West Coast’s backbone, and learn the ropes of backpacking along the way. Over the course of 4 days, you’ll hike through a 30-mile portion of the Cascade’s subdued volcanic landscape with a stellar view of Oregon’s largest and most active volcano: Mt. Hood. Apart from gaining crucial skills for backpacking in the wilderness, you’ll have plenty of time to relax in the lake, smell the wildflowers, and pick blueberries.

  • Meet your guide and the rest of your group at your guide’s office at 7 am. You’ll get transported to the trailhead. Your PCT adventure begins!

    Meals: Lunch and dinner

    Hikers celebrating a successful hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Although the Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, you’ll only be doing a 25-40-mile portion of it (40-48 km). Enjoy the views of Mt. Hood as you traverse lush temperate rainforests, and take a dip in the lake upon reaching your campsite for the night. Your guides will 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!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

    High trees along the PCT
  • Tread the last few miles of the trail until you reach the point where you can get transported back to the city. Say goodbye to your guide and your team. If you’d like to stay a bit longer in the area, just ask your guides for some recommendations!

    Meals: Breakfast

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

Colt Peeters
5.00
Colt Peeters
Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder
Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder
At 20 years old, Colt moved out of the Midwest to a small town outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is where he met his first true love—the mountains. In the following years, Colt spent his summers summiting 14ers, climbing the next big wall, or backpacking through the many wilderness areas of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Finally, Colt moved to Oregon, where he became a wilderness therapy guide and where he worked closely with struggling youth and young adults.
Nastia Bendebury
5.00
Nastia Bendebury
Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder
Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder
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.
Rare Earth Adventures
5.00
Rare Earth Adventures
Rare Earth Adventures
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

5.00 (4 reviews)
Janice Hedeman

Our guides Maria and Kayleah were great! Very knowledgeable about the trail.

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.

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!

Liz S (source: Google Reviews)

Memorable trip!!!  Rare Earth Adventures thoughtfully planned out this trip from all aspects including helping with the gear, pacing, terrain, transportation, and knowledge building on backpacking skills. Our guide Misha was absolutely AMAZING. I would highly recommend this group and highly recommend Misha as a guide on any adventure.

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
      • Group camping gear (water filter, stove and fuel, 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
      • Backpack, 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 backpack, 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 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.

    If you’re looking to join an all-women version of this trip, check out our all-women backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail.

    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 at the guide’s office, 121 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060. 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!

  • Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!

      • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
      • Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
      • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

    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.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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