The Pacific Crest Trail community has lost one of its great champions. Bill Jensen, a steadfast supporter of the PCT, longtime major donor, avid thru-hiker, and inspired Trail Angel, recently died of a heart attack in New Mexico while hiking a section of the CDT. Bill truly believed... Read more
PCTA staff and board members traveled to Washington D.C. again this winter to meet with members of Congress and their staffs, agency partners and other trail, recreation and conservation groups.
Our annual “Hike the Hill” trip to the nation’s capital happened the first week of March. My apologies ... Read more
Editor’s note March 18, 2026: See this blog post for access updates!
If you are planning to begin your Pacific Crest Trail journey at the Southern Terminus, there is an important access update to understand before you arrive.
The Southern Terminus monument remains accessible, and the Pacific Crest Trail remains ... Read more
... Read moreEditor’s note (Feb 4, 2026 8:54am): The partial federal government shutdown has ended.
Editor’s Note (Jan 31, 2026 9:40am): A partial federal government shutdown began at midnight. The U.S. Forest Service is not an affected agency, therefore the PCT remains open and PCTA crews and volunteer projects continue as planned.
We’re thrilled to welcome our new North Cascades Regional Manager, Sam Webster, to the Pacific Crest Trail Association team! With deep roots in land management, wilderness education, and a passion for on-the-ground trail stewardship, he brings a lifetime of experience and sincere enthusiasm to this rugged and remarkable stretch of ... Read more
Last week’s severe storms brought heavy rain, flooding, and debris flows to parts of Southern California, affecting several communities that serve as gateways to the Pacific Crest Trail. Among them is Wrightwood, a long-standing PCT trail town with deep ties to the trail and the people who care for it.... Read more
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) extends its deepest support to the communities, families, and trail users affected by this week’s severe storms and flooding across Washington state, including the Stehekin Valley, Leavenworth region, and other areas near the Pacific Crest Trail.
A powerful atmospheric river system brought extraordinary rainfall ... Read more
Congress ended the federal government shutdown this week, temporarily restoring federal budgets for trail maintenance and construction to previous year levels.
Under the “Continuing Resolution” passed by both chambers of Congress, the budget for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the Forest Service, was restored to 2024 levels. ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.