PCT Northern Terminus Backpacking Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2d
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
26.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,539 m
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Directions to Trailhead
PCT Northern Terminus Backpacking Trail

The PCT Northern Terminus Trail is an amazing hike within E.C. Manning Provincial Park that takes hikers to the northern tip of the Pacific Crest Trail, a legendary route through the United States that spans a 4,265.0 km distance from Mexico to the border with Canada. While you won’t be able to legally cross the border into the United States, this trail will bring you right up to the monument marking the beginning of the famous hiking route. Along the way you will be surrounded with scenic views of the rugged mountains and picturesque stretches of forest that characterize the landscape along the border.

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Route Description for PCT Northern Terminus Backpacking Trail

The PCT Northern Terminus Trail is a 26.7 km out-and-back hiking route that is best completed as a multi-day trip with an overnight stay at the Monument 78 Camp. The route features a good variation in terrain, including dense tree cover and more exposed sections of trail. This, in addition to rapidly changing weather patterns in the region, means that hikers should come prepared for a variety of trail conditions and pack accordingly for the long duration of the hike. Another thing to note is that there is no official border crossing at the end of this hike. Anyone looking to set off on the Pacific Crest Trail will need to cross the border at an official government checkpoint to properly enter the United States, at which point they will need to make their way to the Northern Terminus from the American side.

Setting out on the trail off of Gibson Pass Road, make your way east along the Windy Joe Trail as it skirts alongside the Similkameen River. Take the junction to the right to climb uphill and past Windy Joe Mountain on a course south towards the Canada-U.S. border. This section of forested trail will cross over countless streams on the way to Monument 78 Camp, where you will be able to set up camp for the night. Just beyond the camp to the south, hikers will be able to make their way to the PCT Northern Terminus that straddles the border. After exploring the area and spending a few moments in two different countries at the same time, make your way back along the trail to return to your vehicle at the trailhead off Gibson Pass Road.

Getting to the PCT Northern Terminus Backpacking Trail Trailhead

To access the trailhead for the PCT Northern Terminus from Hope, head east along BC-3 E for 60.0 km and a right turn to get onto Gibson Pass Road. After 1.2 km you will cross over the Similkameen River and find the trailhead on the left.

Route Information

  • When to do

    July-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Monument 78 Camp

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

PCT Northern Terminus Backpacking Trail Elevation Graph

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