A narrative field guide to the unique plants, animals, history, and landscapes of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. For many people, the Pacific Crest is the ultimate long-distance hiking trail. Beginning in the dry valleys of southern California, it follows the crest of the snow-capped Sierras, and ends in the ancient forests of Washington's Cascades. Along the way, national treasures such as Yosemite, Crater Lake, and Mount Rainier make this trail one of the premier hiking destinations in the world. But hiking is about much more than getting from A to B. This book begins where basic trail guides and maps leave off. For each section of the trail, the authors describe the route in detail and recommend the best day hikes and short backpacks from each trailhead. They describe the plants and animals hikers will see, tell stories about local history, explain plate tectonics, and in a thousand other ways enrich the experiences of the journey. In addition, Berger and Smith draw on their tremendous experience--together, they have logged more than 12,000 miles on the PCT--to give tested advice to long-distance hikers on trip planning, gear and safety, seasonal considerations, trailheads and resupplies, permits, and much more. Color photographs and illustrations, 20 maps.