This article originally appeared on The Trek, which you can read here.
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most scenic long-distance trails in the United States and, arguably, the world. Stretching 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, the PCT passes through seven iconic national parks, including Kings Canyon, Yosemite, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier, along with dozens of designated wilderness areas. From California’s Desolation Wilderness to Oregon’s Three Sisters and Washington’s Goat Rocks, the trail consistently delivers jaw-dropping scenery.
But as I learned during my 2025 thru-hike, some of the most iconic experiences associated with the PCT aren’t actually on the PCT.
Many of the trail’s most beloved destinations lie just off-route on “blue blazes,” or side trails that branch off the official red-line PCT and show up in blue on FarOut. Because they require extra miles and effort, hikers often refer to these detours as “side quests”: optional adventures that deviate from the main objective of reaching Canada.
Laid out in northbound order, here are my top ten best side quests along the Pacific Crest Trail, starting in Southern California and ending just before the Canadian border.
Mileages based on the FarOut PCT Guide.
1. San Jacinto (Southern California) — Nobo Mile 181.2
San Jacinto offers northbound hikers their first opportunity to climb above 10,000 feet. While the PCT traverses the side of the mountain, summiting the 10,834-foot peak requires a short detour.
Hikers can leave the PCT at mile 181.2 via the Wellman Divide Trail and connect to the Mount San Jacinto Summit Trail, or exit later at mile 185.7 via the Deer Springs Trail. Many hikers choose to leave at 181.2, tag the summit, and rejoin the PCT at 185.7 — an itinerary that only adds one total mile to your day compared to staying on the redline.
Because of its elevation, San Jacinto is often the first place hikers encounter snow, especially in higher snow years. It’s common to see microspikes and occasionally ice axes used here. If conditions warrant traction, hikers can purchase microspikes from Nomad Ventures through the Trevor Spikes Program, with delivery to Paradise Valley Café (mile 151.8), ensuring gear is in hand before hitting potentially snowy terrain.
Why It’s Worth It
Epic views and an early confidence boost. I was nervous about altitude so early in the hike, but San Jacinto offered a great introduction to elevation before the Sierra. Reaching the summit felt empowering. Coupled with stunning views, San Jacinto made for a memorable summit.
2. Mount Whitney (Sierra) — Nobo Mile 766.3
Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. at 14,505 feet, is one of the most legendary side quests on the PCT. It is also one of the most demanding.
Summiting Whitney adds a full day to an already stout food carry and requires a 15+ mile round trip with roughly 4,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Many hikers choose to camp at Crabtree Ranger Station, accessed by leaving the PCT around mile 766.3 or 767. There is a two-night maximum stay, and many hikers opt to slackpack from camp.
Climbing Whitney was the most intimidating experience of my entire thru-hike. Snowfields, steep drop-offs, and exposure pushed me well outside my comfort zone. Several hikers we met planned to attempt the summit but decided to turn back, or chose not to start at all when their alarms went off for an alpine start. Both choices are valid.
Why It’s Worth It
Standing on the highest point in the Lower 48 during a thru-hike is surreal. The views stretch endlessly across snow-covered peaks, and the shared sense of accomplishment on the summit is palpable. Signing the logbook at the hut felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
3. Vermilion Valley Resort (Sierra) — Nobo Mile 878.7
The Sierra is famously remote, making Vermilion Valley Resort feel like an oasis. VVR offers a restaurant, small resupply, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and free camping, plus your first drink is on the house.
Hikers can access VVR via ferry across Lake Thomas A. Edison or by hiking in on blue-blaze trails. We went the cheap route and chose to hike into VVR. We left the PCT at mile 874.5 via the Bear Ridge Trail (about 7 miles) and returned to the PCT at mile 878.7 via Mono Pass Trail (about 6.5 miles). This added just over 9 bonus miles to our hike, but the resort was worth it.
VVR can easily become an expensive vortex. Add-ons like laundry, Wi-Fi, and ferry rides add up quickly. My hiking partner and I spent around $150 for two people for dinner, breakfast, and minimal resupply, but the experience felt worthwhile.
Why It’s Worth It
Great food, huge portions, and community. Since so many hikers hang out here, VVR is a reunion point where hikers reconnect with trail friends, recharge electronics, and reset before continuing through the High Sierra.
4. Tuolumne Meadows & Yosemite Valley (Sierra/Northern California) — Nobo Mile 942.5
Less than half a mile off the PCT, Tuolumne Meadows offers access to a post office, general store, and grill. That alone is reason enough for most hikers to detour. For those wanting more, Tuolumne Meadows is a gateway to Yosemite Valley.
Hikers can reach the Valley via YARTS (depending on availability and scheduling) or by hitchhiking. Once there, additional hikes depend on permits. Ranger stations offer walk-up backcountry permits. Many hikers try for Half Dome permits by entering the daily lottery on Recreation.gov.
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Our experience in Yosemite was unique because we had friends who had access to a rental car. Other thru-hikers navigated the Valley just fine using the shuttle system. Many stay at the backpackers campground or the Tuolumne Meadows backpackers campground, which reopened late in the 2025 season. FarOut remains the best source for up-to-date info heading into 2026.
Why It’s Worth It
While the PCT through Yosemite is beautiful, the most recognizable places in the National Park aren’t anywhere near the trail. When I picture Yosemite, I think of giant granite slabs, rock climbers, and majestic waterfalls. Everything I’d imagined about Yosemite was found in the Valley.
We took a shuttle to Mariposa Grove to see the giant redwoods one day, and ventured up to Half Dome on the second day (and got to see Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls along the way). Some of our friends floated down the Merced River, biked through the valley, and others watched rock climbers from El Capitan Meadow. Countless activities in Yosemite Valley don’t involve hiking, which is a recipe for a perfect zero.
5. Subway Cave (Northern California) — Nobo Mile 1377.5
This quick (half-mile round trip) detour near Hat Creek Rim offers a welcome escape from NorCal heat. Subway Cave is a ~1,000-foot lava tube that stays around 46°F year-round, pure bliss on a 95° day.
Aside from the cool temperatures, the cave itself is just really freaking cool. As you descend into the cave, you are immediately immersed in total darkness. Headlamps or phone flashlights help you navigate through the winding tube.
The cave itself is wide with plenty of room to move around. There were information panels scattered throughout the tube that provided opportunities to learn more about how the tube was formed.
Why It’s Worth It
A fascinating geology lesson and a much-needed break from the relentless sun. After weeks of hiking around Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, Subway Cave was a powerful reminder of the region’s volcanic past.
6. Burney Falls (Northern California) — Nobo Mile 1420.6
Only a quarter mile from the PCT, it’s a no-brainer to stop and visit Burney Falls. You can’t see the falls from the trail, so it’s a worthwhile side quest just to behold the splendor.
Why It’s Worth It
The waterfall is stunning, with multiple viewpoints and access to the base. Burney Falls State Park also offers a hiker/biker campsite, showers, and a small store, luxuries that are hard to pass up.
7. Rim Trail at Crater Lake (Oregon) — Nobo Mile 1823
Crater Lake offers multiple side quests. Annie Spring Trail (0.6 miles) leads to Mazama Village, where hikers find a store, restaurant, campground, and free showers for hikers.
The Rim Trail itself provides nonstop views high above the caldera, far superior to the PCT’s lower-elevation route. The alternate passes Crater Lake Lodge, where hikers can relax in abundant Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake, charge electronics in the posh lodge, and splurge on Marionberry-stuffed French toast in the lodge’s restaurant.
This alternate is about 11.5 miles long and bypasses 16 miles of redline, meaning you’ll actually save some distance by taking the Rim Trail.
Why It’s Worth It
Without taking the alternate, you aren’t going to get anywhere near Crater Lake. Nearly the entire alternate showcases dramatic views of Wizard Island, the Phantom Ship, and other remarkable landmarks scattered around the lake.
From the lodge, it’s possible to purchase tickets to go on trolley tours around the park, or even a boat tour to Wizard Island. We had friends hitchhike to Cleetwood Cove to go for a swim, but unfortunately, 2025 was the last time this trail will be open for several years. Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to get into the water, and NPS has announced the trail will be closed for maintenance until 2029. This may affect operations for sightseeing ventures like the trolley and boat tours, but shouldn’t have a big impact on PCT hikers.
8. Ramona Falls (Mount Hood, Oregon) — Nobo Mile 2107.9
After the iconic Timberline Lodge stop, Ramona Falls offers a lush forest detour that feels straight out of FernGully. The waterfall is impressive, but the creekside walk through mossy forest is the real star.
Why It’s Worth It
Low risk, high reward. The alternate adds minimal elevation and essentially no extra mileage. It is well worth the minuscule extra effort! Hikers are rewarded by seeing Ramona Falls, crossing multiple creeks and streams on well-constructed foot bridges, and a leisurely stroll through an area that feels like a rainforest. There is also ample camping along the blue blaze, so plenty of spots to enjoy the deep woodsy feel.
9. Eagle Creek Alternate (Tunnel Falls, Oregon) — Nobo Mile 2128.6
The Eagle Creek Alternate leads hikers past multiple waterfalls, swimming holes, and sandy beaches on the descent into Cascade Locks. Tunnel Falls is the crown jewel of the trail, with hikers walking behind a waterfall through a rock tunnel.
The alternate is 14.5 miles with significant descent, but is still shorter and slightly less strenuous than the PCT route.
Why It’s Worth It
Tunnel Falls is unforgettable, but the entire trail is magical. Moss-covered cliffs, cables along exposed sections, and endless water features make this a standout finale to Oregon. The only downside to this side quest is that it can get crowded because of its proximity to a trailhead and town. On the flip side, befriending dayhikers could be a gateway to getting a hitch into Casecade Locks!
10. Old Snowy (Goat Rocks, Washington) — Nobo Mile 2279.3
Goat Rocks is one of the most spectacular sections of the entire PCT. Hikers walk alongside glaciers, see high alpine lakes, and get insane views of Rainer and the Northern Cascades. At mile 2279.3, hikers can take the stock route and tag Old Snowy as a roughly one-mile side quest before rejoining the PCT at the Knife’s Edge.
Why It’s Worth It
At 7,880 feet, Old Snowy is the highest point along the trail since California. Despite intimidating FarOut comments, the scramble is manageable with care. The reward is sweeping views of Rainier, Adams, and sprawling glaciers below.
Closing Thoughts
If you follow the red line religiously, you’ll miss some of the most iconic experiences along the Pacific Crest Trail. Many of my favorite memories came from blue blazes and bonus miles, hard-earned detours that added depth, challenge, and joy to my hike.
At the end of the day, you get out of your thru-hike what you need from it. If your goal is unforgettable scenery, meaningful challenges, and lifelong memories, side quests are absolutely worth the effort.
Magic in the Mountains 
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