Scott Wilkinson is the PCTA’s Content Development Director. A former professional musician, Scott has 20+ years of experience in almost every marketing role. Before joining the PCTA he was a marketing/creative director at West Virginia University and the University of Oregon. A serious outdoor addict, Scott is an experienced whitewater paddler, hang glider pilot, flyfisher, mountain biker, and (of course) hiker and backpacker.
Traveling the Pacific Crest Trail can be about the people you meet along the way. The trail has led to lifelong friendships and even marriages. But the defining aspect of a PCT journey has also always been about getting away, finding quiet and being in wild and scenic places.... Read more
For many years, the Wilderness Press Pacific Crest Trail guidebook series has been the go-to reference for traveling the trail. And while the guides were updated several times over the years, they began to look a bit dated with their black-and-white photos and text-heavy design. That’s all changed with a ... Read more
In late autumn, as the days shorten and the first rain and snow arrives, many of us put away our outdoor gear and begin dreaming of spring. But for anyone willing to prepare and give it a chance, the coming winter promises a new way to experience the Pacific Crest ... Read more
On August 16, PCT thru-hiker and PCTA P3 Hiker David “Squish” Xiao died in a climbing accident in British Columbia. We’re deeply saddened by his loss, and our condolences go out to his family and all who knew him.
In 2018, we chose David from a field of over 100 ... Read more
Here’s a lighthearted post about an email we received recently from Rick Hubbard of South Burlington, Vermont—a member of the PCT Class of 2003…
Greetings:
In your recent [Over the Pass] email, David Rolsten’s poem, “I Took a Walk” brought back memories of my own (Rick Hubbard—aka trail name “Newsman”) ... Read more
Canadian Jessie Lozanski thru-hiked the PCT in 2019, and interpreted some of her favorite scenes in these oil paintings. Seeing the trail in a different medium than photography conveys a vivid, textural sense that can remind us of the sharp edges, the light, and the heat of the trail. Jessie, ... Read more
Listen to an audio version of the poem here.
I took a walk By David Rolsten
I took a walk.
It went on forever and was over too soon Recharging batteries I never knew I had I’m so alive and sleep like a dead man Deserts in bloom, fields of ... Read more
Over the years, the Pacific Crest Trail has inspired thousands of books, articles, YouTube videos and films. Now, the trail’s influence reaches into the concert hall with “From Wilderness: A Meditation on the Pacific Crest Trail.” Composed by Southern California native Jeffrey Derus, the work is scored for chorus, ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.