Each year, PCTA volunteers put in more than 90,000 hours maintaining the trail. Summer is the height of the volunteer season, so day, weekend, and even week-long projects deep in the backcountry are in full-swing. Here are some of the stories from the trail we’ve heard so far this summer.... Read more
In order to maintain remote sections of the Pacific Crest Trail far from the trailhead, Pacific Crest Trail Association volunteers often rely on volunteer horse packers to get tools and supplies in and out of backcountry camps.
But in the North Cascades, closures on feeder trails have made many remote ... Read more
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
(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 and fall, the big question was: “How bad is it?
The river is the dividing line between Oregon ... 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.
Near White Pass, not far from the ski area where several generations ... Read more
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 working on a transition plan ... Read more
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