Mount Shasta Overtakes Etna as Top PCT Resupply Destination in Northern California

Longtime favorite Etna loses crown after seven-year reign, while Truckee makes surprising return to top rankings

Mount Shasta has claimed the top spot as the most popular Pacific Crest Trail resupply town in Northern California, ending Etna’s remarkable seven-year winning streak, according to the latest annual survey of PCT hikers.

Etna, which had held the number one position consistently since 2016, has been dethroned by Mount Shasta, a town that first entered the top five rankings in 2019 and has steadily climbed the charts over the past several years. The shift represents a significant change in hiker preferences along one of America’s most challenging long-distance trails.

The survey also revealed other notable changes in the Northern California rankings. Burney, which had maintained a consistent presence in the top five from 2017 through 2023, has dropped out of the leading group entirely. Meanwhile, Truckee has made a surprising comeback, returning to the top rankings after being absent since 2018.

Northern California presents unique challenges for PCT hikers, who frequently face significant elevation changes when accessing these resupply towns—a characteristic that distinguishes this section from other parts of the trail. Despite these logistical challenges, the region’s towns continue to play a crucial role in supporting the thousands of hikers who attempt the 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada each year.

The survey data suggests that while Northern California PCT towns show less consistency in their rankings compared to desert and Sierra Nevada communities, they maintain fairly stable patterns overall in serving the hiking community.

Source: Halfwayanywhere.com Pacific Crest Trail Resupply Towns Survey