PCTA Blog

The Benefits of Wearing Merino Wool in the Backcountry

By Darn Tough Vermont

A note from PCTA Staff: this post is part of a blog exchange with Darn Tough Vermont. Check out their blog to see an upcoming article about volunteering on the PCT. 

“Cotton kills” – since you’re here reading this, high likelihood that you’ve heard this mantra. ... Read more

Volunteer Profile: Brian Wagenaar (part 1 of 2)

Note: this is the first part of reflections from PCT Volunteer Brian Wagenaar. Stay tuned for part two in March!

I am tremendously lucky. Over the last six years, I’ve spent much of my time engaged in conservation, crisscrossing the country to find myself in  beautiful, diverse places, working outside ... Read more

Hike the Hill 2024: Taking the Trail to Congress!

Hike the Hill 2024: Taking our message to Congress 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s most public face comes in the form of the incredible efforts volunteers make to maintain the trail. Crew members from all walks of life and communities coming together to do back-breaking work in scenic landscapes ... Read more

Cliffside grilled cheese

This story was written by PCTA’s Spencer Valenti, featuring narration from a fictionalized hiker who encounters Spencer on the PCT and learns about our work. Though the specific hiker might be made up, encounters and conversations like this are not uncommon. We hope you enjoy this chance to get to ... Read more