Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Living in a state cut through by the Pacific Crest Trail - which runs from Mexico to Canada - I've always wanted to hike at least a portion of it and never have. I take my kids camping every year and we've done many hikes, but not that one. They aren't really interested in backpacking but since they're grown and nearly gone from the nest I can take up backpacking again and want to do a portion of the trail in Washington state at least.

Does anyone have any experience with the trail? Hiked any portion of it or backpacked along it? I'd love to hear stories. I'm thinking parts of the California section would be awesome. I've never hiked in the Sierra Nevada.

Here's some background information on the trail. I can verify that the North Cascades scenery is gorgeous having done hikes in that area, not to mention the area around Mt. Rainier.

Pacific Crest Trail Association - Trail Overview

I've always wanted to do this trail also. I've been hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park and the scenery is so gorgeous there- the full trail seems amazing and cuts through so many amazing areas.