Here's some of
what's happening at the PCTA and on the PCT. Check back often
for the latest.
Sierra damaged by windstorm - February 2, 2011
Thunderous wind blew across much of the Sierra on Nov 30. causing widespread damage. These unusually strong northern winds gusted to more than 180 mph. They stayed higher than 120 mph for more than three hours, toppling thousands of trees. We expect to find significant numbers of downed trees on the PCT next summer.
The U.S. Forest Service reports that front country sites from Red's Meadow to Whitney Portal were battered. The known damage is greatest at Red's Meadow, where as many as 10,000 trees are down. Reports are scarce from the crest. One PCTA staffer surveyed some Yosemite tread and found significant, but not startling blow down. The damage appears to be region-wide, with pockets of concentration.
Once the snow melts, it's likely to take a long time to clear and repair roads and campgrounds, not to mention the PCT. Some locations may be temporarily closed. Trail users should be aware that there might be trees with weakened root systems or that have only partially fallen. Those could fall later, so pick your routes and your campsites carefully.
We'd like to take this time to remind you of our extensive volunteer program that includes crosscut and chainsaw training and certification. Join a volunteer project or attend one of our Trail Skills Colleges. It is volunteers like you that make this work possible. Information about volunteering can be found at: pcta.org/help/volunteer.asp
A longer article about this wind event and a catalog of some of the damage can be
found here.
Stehekin Post Office Remains Open - December 2, 2011
The Stehekin Post Office will remain open! Ernie Swanson, spokesperson for the Washington state United States Postal Service has confirmed that the Stehekin office will stay open. “There’s really nowhere else to send people,” Mr. Swanson said. Great news! Credit goes to Trail Angel extraordinaire Andrea Dinsmore for being the first to hear the news.
Power line construction across the Pacific Crest Trail - November 22, 2011
From December 2011 to March 2014, a new power line will be built across the Pacific Crest Trail. Located in Southern California, just north of Mt. San Jacinto and Fuller Ridge, the power line will parallel Interstate 10.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association works tirelessly to protect the trail. With your help, we have represented the trail in discussions with Southern California Edison. Up and down the west, we assure that the PCNST has a strong steward. Pacific Crest Trail users will continue to have access through the area as construction occurs. Read more on the
Notice of Construction. Questions and comments can be directed towards Southern California Edison at (866) 602-3782.
Pacific Crest Trail through Glacier Peak Wilderness Reopens - September 20, 2011
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is finally open through Glacier Peak Wilderness. This long trail just grew another five miles.
Following severe flood damage in the fall of 2003, the PCT was temporarily rerouted on an unpopular detour. With repairs completed, the trail once again crosses the Suiattle River on the west side of the massif.
Gary Paull of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest spearheaded the repairs, including the building of the most significant trail bridge on the PCT in Washington. At a cost of $1.1 million, nine bridges were repaired and over three miles of new trail was built using Federal Highway Administration funds.
Glacier Peak Wilderness is home to the largest glacier system on the Trail.
"The PCT is the backbone of the trail system through the Wilderness,” Paull said. “Getting it back in useable condition was very important. There is a generation of hikers in the Pacific Northwest who haven't experienced the Wilderness due to the floods of 2003."
This new section brings another gift. According to Paull, the segment passes through stands of Douglass Firs and Western Cedars, which at 10- to 12-feet wide, are possibly the largest diameter on the entire trail.
The Glacier Peak Wilderness project reaffirms the Pacific Crest Trail Association's commitment to partnering with you in the preservation, protection and promotion of the Trail.
More information about the project can be found in
The Fix Is In: After Nearly 8 Years, the Pacific Crest Trail is Repaired in Washington.
Radio Interview with Ian Nelson, Big Bend Regional Representative - July 22, 2011
If you spend a weekend on the PCT in the Big Bend Region you may run into Janette Storer but you better watch out, Janette has a contagious enthusiasm and she loves to get people excited about the PCT! Janette has spent more than 80 volunteer hours this past year in Southern Oregon and Northern California maintaining the Trail and has plans to do many more before season’s end. She spends many of these hours with the Northwest Service Academy AmeriCorps trail crews and she has a continued presence at the annual Burney, CA National Trails Day event. During the weekdays you’ll find Janette in her role at Redding Radio and Radio Chico as the Account Executive. She has helped to air radio promotions for PCTA events and volunteer opportunities, including this interview with Big Bend Regional Representative, Ian Nelson.
New Job Opportunity - May 6, 2011
PCTA is hiring a Development Assistant. Check out the details.
Did you miss the Annual Meeting? - April 29, 2011
No worries, it is available to watch online. Watch it now.
New Trail Information Specialist - April 20, 2011
PCTA has hired Jack Haskel as the new Trail Information Specialist. In this role, Jack will act as the primary information source for trail users, the general public and PCTA’s members. He will be strengthening PCTA’s trail information program to position PCTA as the best source of information about the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Jack hiked the PCT in 2006, the Colorado Trail ('08) and the Continental Divide Trail ('10). He has been an outdoor educator for a decade, most recently at a wilderness therapy company in Utah. He has traveled and hiked extensively and has years where he spent over 300 days on the trail. He holds a degree in Nature and Culture from UC Davis and has made maps of beautiful places. An obsessive backpacker, he also enjoys staying involved in his community, riding bikes and eating well.
2010 Volunteer Award Winners - April 7, 2011
The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s mission is to protect preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as an internationally significant resource for the enjoyment of hikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people. The annual awards serve as a means to recognize volunteers, partners and supporters for extraordinary achievement in helping fulfill the mission. See who was awarded.
2010 Accomplishments - March 14, 2011
Thank you PCTA members and volunteers!
You helped us make 2010 a banner year for the PCTA. Learn more...
New Job Opportunity - March 03, 2011
PCTA is hiring a Regional Representative for the North Cascades Region.
New Job Opportunity - February 02, 2011
PCTA is hiring a Trail Information Specialist. For more details visit our job opportunities page.
Thru-hiking Video Series - January 10, 2011
Adam Kaufman and Katie Lorah have produced a five part video series about thru-hiking the PCT. One video will be posted each day between 1-10 and 1-14-2011 at gadling.com.
Event Calendar
