[pct-l] Forest Service Maps of PCT

[tomsmail123 at msn.com (Tom B.)]

The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, has special trail maps available for the Pacific Crest Trail through the states of Washington and Oregon. The trail in Washington is divided into two maps (northern and southern portions) and the trail in Oregon is divided into three maps (northern, central, and southern portions). They were compiled from USDA Forest Service, Primary Series quadrangle maps. They show a fairly broad area along the trail (1" = 1 mile) and include photos and descriptions of significant features. They do not provide as much detail of the trail itself as the guide book maps, but are inexpensive and good for planning purposes or as a supplement to the guide books. The maps can sometimes be found at retail stores like REI, but are also available directly from the Forest Service. I did not find them listed at the National Forest Service Store (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/nationalforeststore/) , but Willamette National Forest does have them listed on their order form at  http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/general/mapsbrochures/wnf_maps.html .

I contacted the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, to see if they produced a similar map for the California portion of the PCT. The following is their reply: "I received your inquiry about Pacific Crest Trail maps in California. We're familiar with the USFS Pacific Northwest Region's 5 PCT maps and have wanted to continue the series into California for more than 15 years. The good news is that we started doing so this year. The bad news is that we've just started.  We are working with the PCT Association and starting a replacement series of 20-24 trail segment maps to cover California, each covering from 45-90 miles of the trail.  The first map to be produced will be the southernmost, basically San Diego County - available Feb 2004.  Next map to be produced has not been determined.  The long range plan is to continue this series back into Oregon and Washington as those maps become dated.  I have enclosed an attachment that shows 20 draft trail segments (it will probably be modified to 24 segments.)"

It looks like they plan to produce five maps for California, each covering four trail segments.

Tom B.