Planning your resupply strategy for the Pacific Crest Trail can feel as daunting as the first climb out of the Mojave. It’s a complex logistical puzzle that stretches over 2,650 miles, weaving through three states and countless ecosystems. While the trail itself is a wild, natural experience, your survival and success depend heavily on the towns and services you’ll use along the way. Getting this part right is what separates a smooth, enjoyable journey from a stressful series of setbacks.
That’s precisely why having a solid, up-to-date plan is non-negotiable. The trail towns are your lifelines, offering everything from food and new gear to a warm shower and a real bed. This PCT Resupply & Town Guide for Thru-Hikers [Updated 2025] is designed to walk you through the fundamentals, helping you build a flexible and resilient strategy. We’ll look at the different approaches to resupply, highlight key towns in each state, and share tips to make your town stops efficient and restorative, not overwhelming.
Your Two Main Resupply Strategies: Boxes vs. Buying
Most hikers use a combination of two methods: mailing themselves resupply boxes and buying food locally. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the best approach is often a hybrid.
Mailing Resupply Boxes: This involves packing boxes with food, fuel, and specific gear replacements and mailing them to post offices or businesses in towns ahead of you. The big advantage is control; you get exactly the food you want, often at a lower cost if bought in bulk. This is highly recommended for remote towns with limited or expensive grocery stores, such as Stehekin (Washington), Warner Springs (California), or Mazama Village (Oregon). The downside is the logistical hassle of preparing boxes months in advance and the lack of flexibility if your tastes or appetite change.
Buying as You Go: This method involves purchasing all your food from grocery stores, convenience stores, or hiker boxes in each trail town. The primary benefit is flexibility. You can see what you’re in the mood for, adjust your calorie intake based on your current cravings, and avoid being locked into a pre-planned menu. This works wonderfully in towns with good supermarkets, like Bishop, South Lake Tahoe, or Bend. The trade-off can be higher cost and less variety in very small towns.
A State-by-State Glance at Key PCT Resupply Stops
The character and services of trail towns change dramatically as you move north. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect in each section for your 2025 hike.
The Southern California Stretch
This section is all about managing the desert heat and long, dry stretches. Key stops include Idyllwild, a charming mountain town with several resupply options; Big Bear Lake, a major hub with large grocery stores; and Acton/KOA, a classic hiker-friendly stop. The Mojave resupply at Hikertown is a unique experience before the climb into the Sierra. Remember, water carries are critical here, so plan your town stops around reliable water sources.
Navigating the Sierra Nevada
As you enter the high mountains, your focus shifts. Resupply points are farther apart, and you’ll need to carry more food to fuel big-mile days over passes. Bishop and Mammoth Lakes are the two major resupply hubs here, both requiring a hitch from the trail but offering full-service towns with everything you could need. Independence is a smaller option for a quicker in-and-out. This is a section where sending a resupply box to Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) or Muir Trail Ranch can be a great idea.
Through Oregon and Washington
Oregon is known for its flatter terrain and bigger miles, meaning you might blow through several resupply points quickly. Ashland, Bend, and Cascade Locks (on the Oregon-Washington border) are all fantastic hiker towns with great culture and easy resupply. Washington brings the rugged, remote North Cascades. Stehekin is a legendary stop accessible only by boat, plane, or foot, and sending a box here is virtually mandatory due to the limited and expensive store. Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass offer limited but sufficient services before your final push to the border.
Making the Most of Your Town Days
A town stop is more than just resupply; it’s a chance to reset mentally and physically. To keep your hike on track, try to be efficient. Make a list before you get to town: resupply, laundry, shower, charge electronics, eat real food. It’s easy to get “town-lazy” and lose a full day. Consider splitting a hotel room with other hikers to save money and still get that precious bed and shower. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you need an extra half-day to rest a nagging injury, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts for Your 2025 PCT Resupply & Town Guide for Thru-Hikers
The most successful resupply strategy is one that is flexible. While it’s smart to have a general plan, be ready to adapt. You might fall in love with a town and want to stay longer, or you might need to skip a stop due to fire closures or injury. The trail provides, but it also throws curveballs. Talk to other hikers, share information, and always check for the most recent updates in trail apps and registers. Your resupply plan is the backbone of your thru-hike, but your ability to go with the flow is its heart.
In the end, your PCT resupply strategy is a deeply personal part of the journey. It will evolve from the rigid, pre-trail plan into a fluid, on-the-fly system that works for you. Embrace the chaos of a busy post office, the joy of finding your perfect snack in a small grocery store, and the camaraderie of hikers comparing strategies over a pizza. These town stops are not just logistical waypoints; they are the colorful, human-filled chapters that make the epic story of your thru-hike.