PCT Step Challenge

 

Historically speaking, the various nations’ Marine forces were some of the best trained soldiers expected to maneuver and survive through various terrains. Members of Starfleet’s Marine Corps are no different. Trained as the ground forces, understanding how to maneuver and traverse varying terrains is an important part of basic training for any Marine.

 

Members of the 12th Brigade of the SFMC are encouraged to go forth and be physically active within their personal abilities. To support this, Brigade is issuing its first step challenge. There are milestones along the way which will be shown on the enclosed map. Members are encouraged to do as much as they can during this challenge. This is a walking/running challenge without you physically going to the PCT to traverse it.

 

Given the length of the trail, we will be continuing the challenge until it is finished by the final date for registration will be December 15. As you reach a check point, you will receive a digital postcard, telling you more about each check point. Remember, Brigade is asking you to do the steps not the actual physical trail. 

 

To turn in your steps, please email them to sfmc12thbdedoic@sfi.org. You may do this once a week or all at once for the month.

 

Brigade Certificates will be given to everyone whom participate. Special certificates will be given to all who complete the challenge. The unit who has all of their members complete the challenge will get a special certificate. A gold certificate will be given to the first three Marines who complete this challenge.

Length: 2,650 miles/4,265 kilometers
Starting Point: Campo, California
Ending Point: Manning Park, British Columbia

Sector 1


Checkpoint 1: Laguna Mountain (41.5 miles)
Checkpoint 2: San Jacinto Peak (181.2 miles)
Checkpoint 3: Fuller Ridge (190 miles)
Checkpoint 4: Snow National Monument (226 miles)
Checkpoint 5: Deep Creek Hot Springs (307.9 miles)
Checkpoint 6: Casa de Luna (478 miles)
Checkpoint 7: Willow Springs (620 miles)
Checkpoint 8: Kennedy Meadows (702.2 miles)
Checkpoint 9: Kings Canyon National Park (753.9 miles)

Checkpoint 10: Mount Whitney (767 miles)
Checkpoint 11: Evolution Creek (850.9 miles)
Checkpoint 12: Northern Yosemite (979.8 miles)
Checkpoint 13: Little Haven (1284.3 miles)
Checkpoint 14: Lassen Volcanic National Park (1343.8 miles)
Checkpoint 15: Burney Falls (1416.5 miles)
Checkpoint 16: Marble Mountain Wilderness (1599.1 miles)

 

Sector 2


Checkpoint 1: California/Oregon Border (1689.2 miles)
Checkpoint 2: Crater Lake National Park (1820.5 miles)
Checkpoint 3: The Three Sisters (1928.2 miles)
Checkpoint 4: Ollalie Lake (2043.1 miles)
Checkpoint 5: Mt. Hood (2094.5 miles)

 

Sector 3


Checkpoint 1: Bridge of the Gods - Oregon/Washington Border (2144.2 miles)
Checkpoint 2: Panther Creek (2179.9 miles)
Checkpoint 3: Mt. Adams (2227.6 miles)
Checkpoint 4: Goats Rocks (2254.1 miles)
Checkpoint 5: Mt. Rainier National Park (2312.2 miles)
Checkpoint 6: Dinsmore’s Hiker Haven (2461.6 miles)
Checkpoint 7: Glacier Peak Wilderness (2492.4 miles)
Checkpoint 9: North Cascades National Park (2569.4 miles)
Checkpoint 10: Harts Pass (2619.5 miles)

Sector 4


Checkpoint 1: United States/Canadian Border (2650.1 miles)
Checkpoint 2: Bonus - E.C. Manning Provincial Park (2658.9 miles)

 

Known as the PCT, the Pacific Crest Trail is the second longest of America’s Triple Crown long trails, starting at the US-Mexican border and ending at the US-Canadian border. The other two in the Triple Crown are the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. It stretches through California, Oregon and Washington states, providing adventurous hikers a challenge by taking the high route through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, witnessing some of the United States’ most scenic and varied routes.

 

Taking this trail, you are introduced to a multitude of environments often faced by the Starfleet Marines as they are deployed throughout the quadrants. Along the trail, you will be introduced to a variety of terrains - from scorching desserts to snowy mountains along the way. You will go from sea level at the beginning, rising to a level of 13,153 feet.


You will face going from normal oxygen levels at the beginning of the trail to the air thinning at its highest point. Temperatures will range from the low teens to over 100°F. This exercise will also have Marines rely on their orienteering skills as they navigate along the trail, winding through the three states, a trail that does not simply go north and south.


The fastest civilian hiking of the trail is 46 days, 12 hours and 56 minutes