Dana Hendricks, our Columbia Cascades Regional Representative, is in charge of the PCT from Windigo Pass, Oregon through the Columbia River Gorge. She lives with her husband, Paul, and her little hiker, Gus, just a couple miles from the Bridge of the Gods. She has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oregon.
Last month, we shared news of the Willamette and Deschutes national forests’ decision to implement a limited-entry permit system in three popular Central Oregon wildernesses, starting next summer.
The forests recently released a proposal for specific fees to go along with that new permit system. They’ve announced dates for three ... Read more
Central Cascades Wilderness Strategy, Willamette and Deschutes national forests.
Note: this new permit system begins Friday, May 28, 2021. Reservations for the permits will open at 7 a.m. PDT on April 6, 2021 at www.Recreation.gov. More information about the permits can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd688355
What is this new permit... Read more
He could be called one of the founding fathers of trails in the United States. Though trails were well on their way to becoming a national treasure before Dan Ogden got involved, he helped ensure their longevity and survival.
As the assistant director of planning and research in the Bureau ... Read more
“Ugh,” my male hiking companion frowned. “What I don’t get is, why some people bother to bury their poop, and then leave the toilet paper exposed above ground?” I gazed past his shoulder at the umpteenth little “white blossom” we’d seen along this high-use section of trail.
“Silly old bear,”... Read more
Growing up, many of us were taught that axes, hatchets and saws are a natural part of camping. Upon arriving at camp, the bushcraft tools come out to process trees for firewood and benches, move limbs out of the way for tents and hammocks or harvest boughs to whittle, build ... Read more
This essay first appeared in the PCT Communicator magazine. Visit our page about the history of the Pacific Crest Trail for more about this remarkable trail. See this article in PDF format here.
When I hiked the Appalachian Trail fresh out of college in 1996, the National Trails System was ... Read more
It is with great sadness we report the death of our dear friend and trail champion, Joel Starr. Joel was an integral part of PCTA’s Oregon volunteer community for as long as anyone can remember. Joel died August 14, 2015. He was 68.
He and his wife, Marcele, brought an ... Read more
Saturday Aug. 29, 8:30-9:00, CASCADE LOCKS, OREGON – For a peaceful half hour, the iconic Bridge of the Gods will be closed to motorized traffic, so pedestrians and bicyclists can celebrate its breathtaking views. Explore what it’s like to cross the bridge as a hiker on the Pacific ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.