Author Archives: Mark Larabee

About Mark Larabee

Mark Larabee is the PCTA's Advocacy Director. He is the former editor of the "PCT Communicator" magazine and co-author of "The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail" published in 2016. Larabee is a journalist, part of a team who won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for The Oregonian newspaper. He hiked the PCT across Oregon for a 2005 series for the paper and has been with PCTA since 2010. He lives in Portland.

2014 Photo Contest Winners

At sunset a thunder storm rumbled to our west as we hastily set up camp for the night. Photo by: Colin Arisman

There’s something about a photo contest dedicated to the Pacific Crest Trail that’s hard to beat.

For one, the trail winds through some of the most beautiful places in the world. Every photograph with a person in it drips with happiness. And every picture is a donation by a volunteer ... Read more

PCTA’s 2014 annual meeting wrap-up

More than 100 people attended our 2014 annual meeting Saturday, April 12. The event allows us to formally recognize outstanding volunteers and to announce our financial results from the previous year. It’s also a great and enjoyable way for PCTA staff to engage with members, volunteers and donors.

Volunteers are ... Read more

Oregon volunteer leader Paul Martin Smith dies

Long-time PCTA organizer, leader and trail maintainer Paul Martin Smith died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, following complications from cancer. He was 64.

Paul, PCTA’s 2009 Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year, led the Mid-Oregon Volunteers for many years. A PCTA volunteer since 2006, he was highly recognized for his unselfish ... Read more

PCTA’s Ian Nelson gets an award from the top

During a regular Monday morning meeting of his most senior staff members, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell picked up a heavy plaque made of green and white granite inscribed with some very special words: “Ian Nelson” and “Wilderness Champion.”

Nelson is PCTA’s longest serving regional representative, covering Southern Oregon ... Read more