After 55 volunteer crews from the PCTA’s Mount Hood Chapter put in nearly 5,000 hours, the Pacific Crest Trail and other nearby trails in the Columbia River Gorge are open to hikers for the first time since the Eagle Creek Fire erupted last fall.
“The work has seemed daunting at ... Read more
PCTA Mount Hood Chapter volunteers walk newly repaired trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Photos by Terry Hill.
(Editor’s note: This story was original printed in the spring issue of the Pacific Crest Trail Communicator magazine.)
When a wildfire ripped through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area last summer ... Read more
Two technical advisors skilled in trail building and leadership have started their seasonal jobs overseeing PCTA maintenance crews in Southern California and will spend the next several months teaching trail skills classes and working the PCT throughout the state.
Each year, the PCTA brings on seasonal technical advisors to support ... Read more
Repairing and reopening the Pacific Crest Trail after a wildfire can take a lot of time and hard work. In the aftermath of a large fire, burned trees can be in danger of falling, making it unsafe for both hikers and repair crews. Vegetation and roots can burn away, leaving ... Read more
By Maggie Ballew
Anemone, lupine, and huckleberry line the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington’s Central Cascades. But the winter’s heavy snows drop evergreens across the path and the rush of spring water erodes the bones of the trail.
Maggie measures the old bridge.
Near White Pass, not far from the ... Read more
Jennifer Tripp and Mike Dawson
As we turn the corner on another year, the PCTA introduces new leadership for our Trail Operations staff. Director of Trail Operations Mike Dawson will retire at the end of March, creating advancement opportunities for other staff members.
Mike’s retirement is no surprise. We’ve been ... Read more
By Connor Swift, PCTA Trail Crew Technical Advisor
The 2013 Mountain Fire closed nearly 25 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail through the San Jacinto Mountains as it approaches the town of Idyllwild in Southern California.
The fire burned hot and intensely, creating hazards in some places such as dangerous ... Read more
By Mary Anne Chute Lynch
Ever hear a metallic, light pinging, “sssccchhh-wing-ing” sound? Crosscut sawyers know what it means.
“Sawyers love nothing more than to cut up some logs and remove them from the trail,” sawyer Maggie Ballew said.
Joan Napolitano helped remove 100 logs last year from 11 miles ... Read more
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