Many of us are feeling trapped at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and possibly sad or frustrated because we’re not on the Pacific Crest Trail. Seattle hiker John “AppleJack” Betz has what may be the next best thing: in 2018, he thru-hiked the PCT and recorded his walk using a ... Read more
UPDATE: As of April 13, 2020, the PCTA Store is officially closed.
In the days before the internet, the PCTA store was a “bricks and mortar” operation: in 1992, volunteer and board member Laraine Downer managed the store out of her garage. The Communicator magazine once had several pages ... Read more
In 1907, English soldier Robert Baden-Powell devised the Boy Scouts motto, “Be Prepared.” The story goes that upon hearing the motto, someone asked the scouting founder the inevitable question: “Prepared for what?”
“Why, for any old thing,” he replied.
Scouting is a program for young people to learn how to ... Read more
Announcing the winners of our annual photo contest is one of the highlights of my work for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Each spring, those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest usually are beginning to think about hitting the trail. The amazing photos from our contest entice me ... Read more
With use of the Pacific Crest Trail continuing to increase, it’s crucial for everyone on the PCT to believe in and practice Leave No Trace ethics. It’s how we’ll protect the trail for future generations. Equally important is staying safe while on the trail. To get the message out there ... Read more
Over the past four years, the U.S. Forest Service and the PCTA have partnered to create a program that places volunteers at the PCT’s Southern Terminus. From the end of February to mid-May, a terminus volunteer will provide sustainable hiking information — the goals being to reduce human-caused damage to ... Read more
Thanks to all of you who tuned in live for our Class of 2020 trail information webinar! It aired Monday, February 24.
This free webinar was aimed at PCT long-distance permit holders, but all were welcome. Whether you’re on a horse, doing a day hike, live in a trail town, ... Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Taking care of the Pacific Crest Trail is not just about clearing logs, cutting back brush or moving rocks. It’s also about building long-term support for our mission with elected leaders and land managers.
We’d all probably rather be outside in our hiking boots getting dirty. But ... Read more