Watch Only the Essential for free online
Only The Essential is a 40-minute documentary film made by thru-hikers about thru-hiking the PCT. It is available free online at www.wildconfluence.com
Colin Arisman and Luke Kantola are Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers and filmmakers. They are the founders of Wild Confluence Films and the producers of the new full-length Pacific ... Read more
Rookies in the Wild: first-time backpackers on the PCT
For first-time backpackers on the PCT, preparation must substitute for experience.
By John Riha
We were living in Iowa when I first got the notion to go backpacking with my younger son, Nick. He was a high school senior, and I thought we could use a grand adventure before he ... Read more
Tackling a hard-to-reach repair job near Anderson Peak
By Dave Duncan
The Pacific Crest Trail follows a very scenic ridge between the Squaw Valley Ski Resort and the Old Donner Summit Road trailhead south of Interstate 80. Panoramic views of Granite Chief Wilderness and amazing spring wildflowers make this area a hiking favorite.
In this section, the PCT ... Read more
The huge success of the Southern California Trail Skills College
By Debi Rodriguez. Photos by George Soliman.
Not many things make me happier than volunteering on the PCT or at a PCTA event. Hanging out with cool people that share a passion for the trail is always fun and inspiring; and you can make great new friends.
Trail Skills College, ... Read more
Jerry Bentz nurtures mules from ‘cave boys’ to friends
By Mary Anne Chute Lynch
“Mules are like cave boys,” said Jerry Bentz, PCT volunteer and mule packer. “A mule isn’t’ much good ‘til it’s five or six years old. They are too crazy. They are always in mischief, like teenage boys.”
It’s not until a mule is 11 or ... Read more
U.S. Forest Service honors PCTA’s Mount Hood Chapter with nation’s top award
By Bob Arkes
“Wow!” Maybe Dana Hendricks, Columbia Cascades PCTA Regional Representative said it all in a single word, but perhaps a few more are in order.
On Oct. 3, on behalf of Thomas Tidwell, chief of the Forest Service, Mount Hood National Forest Supervisor Lisa Northrop presented PCTA’s Mount ... Read more
Dormouse and Dirt Stew’s southbound PCT thru-hike adventure
By Christine “Dormouse” Martens. This article appeared in the Fall 2015 PCT Communicator magazine. Download a PDF version here. We usually share an article or two online. Please consider becoming a member of PCTA. You’ll feel good about it and get a subscription to our print publication that’s full of ... Read more
Remembering John Glenn, master of wilderness trail skills
By Dolly B. Chapman
Our community suffered a huge loss on Aug. 6. 2015, when John Glenn died from injuries he sustained in a work accident at Clover Meadow, where he volunteered with the Sierra National Forest.
John was my dear friend, a mentor to many, and a vigorous master ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.
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