Participant Guide  ·  Guided Backpacking Expedition

Pacific Crest Trail Adventure

August 6–10, 2027  |  Washington State

$2,250

$1,000 deposit due upon booking

Interest free payment plan over 6 months available at check out

Forest Service Road 24 → Trout Creek  ·  38.2 Miles SOBO  ·  A Trip of a Lifetime

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THE ADVENTURE AWAITS

Over five extraordinary days, you and a small group of fellow adventurers will travel 38.2 miles southbound (SOBO) along one of the world's most celebrated long-distance trails, moving through the stunning Gifford Pinchot National Forest from the Forest Service Road 24 trailhead all the way to Trout Creek, WA. You will rise with the sun, cross clear mountain creeks, rest your pack against a trailside boulder while the wind moves through the pines, and fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars with the quiet satisfaction of knowing exactly what you are made of.

The camaraderie of hiking with a small group is its own kind of magic. You will cheer each other over climbs, share trail snacks and trail stories, and arrive at camp each evening having earned something together. By day five, you will have become each other's trail family.

Your PCT adventure begins August 6, 2027.

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ROUTE OVERVIEW

Trail:

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Section J — Washington

Direction: Southbound (SOBO)

Start: Forest Service Road 24 Trailhead, WA

Finish: Trout Creek Trailhead, WA

Total Distance: 38.2 miles over 5 days

Avg. Daily Miles: 6.5 – 8.5 miles/day

Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging

Group Size: Small (8-10)

Guidance: Fully guided — all logistics handled

Season: August (peak wildflower & views)

Terrain & Landscape

The route traverses some of the most diverse and breathtaking terrain in the Pacific Northwest. Expect cathedral old-growth forest, open volcanic ridgelines, lush wildflower meadows, and crystal-clear creek crossings. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest — named for America's first Chief Forester — is a place of rare ecological richness and striking geological drama, shaped by the volcanic forces of the Cascade Range.

Fitness Expectation

Participants should be comfortable hiking 6–10 miles per day with a loaded backpack (25–35 lbs). Prior overnight backpacking experience is helpful but not required. We recommend completing several day hikes of 7+ miles with a weighted pack in the months leading up to the trip. Your guide will provide a pre-trip training framework upon registration.

✦   A Note on Preparation

The best gift you can give yourself before this trip is consistent training. Even three hikes per month in the 90 days prior will transform your experience on the trail. Your guide is available for pre-trip questions and support — never hesitate to reach out.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Every day on the PCT brings its own rhythm — the quiet of morning camp, the meditative cadence of footfall on trail, the earned reward of a spectacular view. Here is your five-day journey, mile by beautiful mile.

Day 1

Thursday, Aug. 6

~6.5 mi

Trailhead orientation at Forest Service Road 24. Introductions, gear check, LNT review. First miles SOBO through towering old-growth forest. Arrive at forest camp in the early evening — celebrate your first night on the PCT with a warm group dinner under the trees.

Day 2

Friday, Aug. 7

~8.5 mi

Full hiking day deep into Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Scenic ridge sections open to sweeping views of Mount Adams. Volcanic geology underfoot. Camp near a reliable water source — a perfect evening for journaling and stargazing.

Day 3

Saturday, Aug. 8

~8.2 mi

The midpoint milestone! Celebrate at a panoramic overlook — photos, snacks, and well-deserved pride. Possible wildflower meadow sections with peak August color. Camp at an established site. Group mid-trip check-in around the campfire.

Day 4

Sunday, Aug. 9

~8.0 mi

One of the most beautiful days of the route. Forested terrain, creek crossings, and dramatic volcanic geology. The trail opens and reveals. Camp near Trout Creek drainage — listen to the water as you drift off to sleep.

Day 5

Monday, Aug. 10

~7.0 mi

The triumphant final push to Trout Creek trailhead. You have done it — 38.2 miles on one of the world's most iconic trails. Group celebration at the trailhead, then shuttle to Troutdale, OR. Return flights from PDX no earlier than 6:00 PM.

✦   Total Distance: 38.2 Miles

Itinerary is subject to minor adjustment based on weather, trail conditions, and group pace. Your guide prioritizes both safety and an exceptional experience — flexibility is part of the adventure.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

We handle the logistics so you can be fully present for the experience. Here is everything that comes with your trip investment:

Included in Your Trip

●      Professional guide for all 5 days — experienced, wilderness first aid certified

●      Group camping equipment — tents, bear canisters, group first aid kit

●      Permit coordination and all backcountry logistics

●      Shuttle transportation — Troutdale, OR → FS Road 24 trailhead (start) and Trout Creek → Troutdale, OR (finish)

●      Pre-trip planning support, gear guidance, and training framework

●      All group meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (dietary accommodations provided)

●      Emergency communication device (Garmin inReach or similar) carried by guide at all times

●      Water filtration (group system — personal backup recommended)

●      Trail maps provided at orientation

●      Trowel and waste bags for Leave No Trace compliance

✦   Not Included

Please Note — Participant Responsibility

•  Travel to/from Portland, OR or Troutdale, OR (airfare and ground transportation)

•  Personal gear (see full packing list in Section 7)-you will receive a separate, extensive packet with all supplies in detail, with recommendations and discount codes

•  guide gratuity

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PRICING & PAYMENT PLAN

✦   Trip Investment

$2,250 per person

Flexible zero-interest payment plan available. Spots are limited — your deposit secures your place on the trail.

Deposit: $1,000

Due at registration

Monthly installments available for remainder of balance

Zero interest on all installments

●      Deposits are non-refundable upon registration

●      Full payment is required 60 days before departure

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TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Getting yourself to the Wharehouse is the only logistics you are responsible for — and we have made it as simple as possible. Here is everything you need to plan your travel to and from this adventure.

✦   Getting There

Fly Into:

Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, OR — the closest major airport to the trip departure point

Trip Departure Point:

Troutdale, OR — approximately 20 miles east of Portland International Airport

Arrival Time:

Arrive in Troutdale by 7:00 AM on Thursday, August 6, 2027. Specific meet-up location provided upon registration.

Parking:

Limited parking available at the Troutdale departure point. Carpooling among participants is strongly encouraged — coordinate via the group chat provided after registration.

Transport: PDX → Troutdale

NOT included in trip cost. Options include rental car, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or taxi. Drive time is approximately 25–35 minutes from PDX.

✦   Returning Home

Return Shuttle:

Shuttle departs Trout Creek trailhead on the afternoon of Monday, August 10 and returns participants to Troutdale, OR (included in trip cost)

Earliest Return Flight:

Plan return flights from PDX no earlier than 6:00 PM on August 10 to allow adequate time for the shuttle return and travel from Troutdale to PDX

Transport: Troutdale → PDX

NOT included in trip cost. Same options as arrival: rental car, rideshare, or taxi.

✦   Recommended: Night-Before Accommodations

Book accommodations in the Portland or Troutdale area for the night of Wednesday, August 5 (the night before departure). A 7:00 AM meet-up requires an early start, and arriving well-rested sets the tone for the entire adventure. Troutdale and nearby Gresham, OR have excellent lodging options close to the departure point.

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PACKING LIST

please note-you will receive a separate, extensive packing list in great detail with recommendations and discount codes, packing guide, and more.

Packing well is an art — and we are here to help you master it. The goal is to carry everything you need and nothing you don't.

If you have questions about any item on this list, reach out before departure.

Shelter & Sleep

●      Tent (provided by guide — shared 2-person tents)

●      Sleeping bag — personal, rated to 25–30°F strongly recommended for August nights in the Cascades

●      Sleeping pad — personal (inflatable or foam; inflatable recommended for comfort)

●      Stuff sack or compression bag for your sleep system

Clothing

●      Moisture-wicking base layer top and bottom (synthetic or merino wool)

●      Insulating mid-layer — fleece jacket or down jacket

●      Waterproof rain jacket (essential — Washington weather can change quickly)

●      Rain pants or waterproof over-pants

●      Hiking pants or leggings (1–2 pairs)

●      2–3 pairs of hiking socks — wool strongly recommended (Darn Tough or Smartwool are trail favorites)

●      Sports bras and underwear (2–3 pairs, moisture-wicking)

●      Sun hat with brim (wide brim preferred for ridge sections)

●      Warm beanie or knit hat (for cold mornings and evenings)

●      Lightweight gloves

●      Camp shoes or lightweight sandals (for wearing around camp — your feet will thank you)

Footwear

●      Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners — waterproof highly recommended. Never bring brand-new footwear on a multi-day trip. Break them in on several training hikes first.

Navigation & Safety

●      Navigation provided by guide (Garmin in reach)

●      Headlamp + extra batteries ( non-negotiable must-have)

●      Personal whistle

Hygiene & Health

●      Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher (reapply generously on ridge sections)

●      Lip balm with SPF

●      Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)

●      Personal prescription medications (clearly labeled, with documentation if needed)

●      Blister care kit — moleskin, blister bandages, Leukotape

●      Hand sanitizer

●      Biodegradable soap (for body and dishes)

●      Toothbrush and toothpaste

●      Feminine hygiene products as needed (pack-out bags required — provided by guide)

●      Trowel and waste bags for LNT compliance (provided by guide)

●      Group first aid kit (provided by guide — personal blister kit still recommended)

Food & Water

●      Water filtration — group system (provided by guide)

●      Personal water filter or purification tablets as backup (Sawyer Squeeze or Aquatabs recommended)

●      Water carrying capacity: 2–3 liters minimum (bottles or hydration reservoir)

●      Personal trail snacks — group meals are provided, but personal snacks are encouraged for energy between meals

Pack & Gear

●      Bear canister (provided by guide)

●      Backpack — 40–55L recommended; fit matters most, so visit a gear store for a proper fitting

●      Pack rain cover or dry bags (to protect gear during rain)

●      Trekking poles — highly recommended, especially for creek crossings and steep descents

●      Lightweight camp towel (microfiber)

●      Stuff sacks or ziplock bags for pack organization

Documents & Essentials

●      Government-issued photo ID

●      Health insurance card (carry a physical copy)

●      Emergency contact information — submit to your guide before departure day

●      Small amount of cash (for pre/post-trip use; no services on trail)

✦   Leave No Trace

All participants are expected to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles throughout the trip. Your guide will conduct a full LNT review at the trailhead orientation on Day 1. Key principles: pack out all waste, stay on trail, respect wildlife, and leave what you find. The PCT is a shared treasure — we protect it together.

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MEALS & DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS

Fueling your body well is part of the adventure. All group meals are designed to be calorie-dense, lightweight, and genuinely delicious — because good food at camp is one of life's great simple pleasures.

Meal Structure

●      Three meals provided daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

●      Meals are trail-tested, calorie-dense, and optimized for pack weight and nutrition

●      Designed to restore energy after big mileage days and keep you warm on cool mountain evenings

●      Group cooking is a shared experience — part of the community ritual of trail life

Dietary Accommodations

●      Notify your guide at registration of any allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences

●      Common accommodations supported: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free diets

●      Severe allergies (e.g., anaphylactic nut allergy) — please inquire directly so we can plan appropriately

●      Participants are welcome to bring additional personal snacks to supplement group meal

✦   A Word on Appetite

Backpacking days burn significantly more calories than everyday life. Most participants are surprised by how hungry they are on trail — especially after big mileage days. Bring plenty of your favorite high-energy personal snacks: nut butter packets, bars, dried fruit, jerky, or chocolate. Your future self will thank you at mile 7.

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See You on the Trail

What happens on the PCT in five days cannot be fully put into words — and that is precisely the point. The trail has a way of giving back exactly what you bring to it: courage, openness, perseverance, and presence. You will arrive at that trailhead as one version of yourself and leave Trout Creek as something more.

Whether this is your first time sleeping under the stars or your fiftieth, hiking alongside a group of people who are showing up fully for themselves and each other is something that stays with you long after the trail dust settles. The connections you build out there are real. The strength you discover is real. And the memories — trust me — are forever.

I am so honored to organize this adventure, and I cannot wait to share it with you. Please reach out any time before the trip with questions, gear questions, or just to share your excitement. My inbox is always open.

With deep excitement and gratitude —
August 2027 cannot come soon enough! ✦

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AT-A-GLANCE SUMMARY

Dates

August 6–10, 2027 (5 days / 4 nights)

Trail

Pacific Crest Trail, SOBO — FS Road 24 → Trout Creek, WA

Total Miles

38.2 miles

Difficulty

Moderate–Challenging (6–10 miles/day with loaded pack)

Trip Cost

$2,250 per person (zero-interest payment plan available)

Deposit

$1000 due at registration (non-refundable)

Fly Into

Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, OR

Meet-Up

Troutdale, OR — 7:00 AM, Thursday August 6, 2027

Return

Afternoon of August 10 to Troutdale, OR; PDX flights after 6:00 PM

Meals

All meals included; dietary accommodations available — notify at registration

Night Before

Book lodging near Portland/Troutdale for August 5 (recommended)

✦   Ready to Book Your Spot?

Spots on this trip are limited by design — a small group is central to the quality of this experience.