Biking the Pacific Crest Trail – The Ultimate Adventure Guide

August 27, 2024

Because of its reputation as a path for hikers and equestrians, The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) does not typically permit bikes. Several national parks, wilderness regions, and other protected locations along the 2,650-mile trail have laws that make it illegal to ride bikes.

However, mountain riding is permitted and encouraged on specific adjacent paths and routes, particularly in the PCT’s immediate vicinity. For example, in some national forests adjacent to the PCT, you might find trails that offer a similar experience for bikers without violating them.

Even if you can’t move the PCT itself, plenty of other trails in the same areas offer fantastic biking adventures. Many cyclists ride these different routes to replicate the PCT’s varied terrain and exciting challenges.

Here’s a list of places where biking is allowed

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon:

Timberline to Town Trail: A well-traveled path that winds down through scenic woodlands from its beginnings close to the Timberline Lodge.

Surveyor’s Ridge Trail: Popular among mountain bikers, it offers breathtaking vistas of Mount Hood.

Tahoe Rim Trail, California/Nevada:

This trail runs parallel to the PCT in some sections and offers a thrilling ride with views of Lake Tahoe. Note that some segments of the Tahoe Rim Trail are bike-friendly, but others are restricted, so check local guidelines.

Lake Cuyamaca, Southern California:

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: Offers a network of trails suitable for mountain biking, with scenic views and varying difficulty levels.

Mount Shasta Area, Northern California:

Gateway Trail System: A trail network that caters to different skill levels, offering spectacular views of Mount Shasta.

Biking Not Allowed (On the PCT and Specific Areas):

Sierra Nevada Section:

The John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park are among the many places along the PCT that are off-limits to bikers because of their status as protected wilderness.

Desolation Wilderness, California:

This rugged section near Lake Tahoe is a designated wilderness area where no biking is allowed on the PCT.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon:

While Crater Lake is a biking hotspot, the PCT section that runs through the park does not allow bicycles.

North Cascades, Washington:

The PCT passes through several wilderness areas within the North Cascades where biking is prohibited, including the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Alternative Options:

For those looking to combine biking with the PCT experience, consider doing a bike-and-hike adventure. Ride on nearby trails where biking is allowed and then hop onto the PCT for a hike in the restricted areas. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!