Pacific Crest Trail Association

Head over to the volunteer schedule and check out the new volunteer opportunities we posted, including trail crews in Washington and Trail Skills Colleges in Oregon. Then grab a friend, find a project near you and sign up today! (Photo by Jerod Nace.) https://connect.pcta.org/volunteer/s/project-schedule

We are deeply saddened by the passing of June Mulford. In 1959, when June and Don Mulford were the first to thru-ride the Pacific Crest Trail on horseback in a single season, large segments of the trail had either never been built or fallen into disrepair. What they had to deal with was a network of pieces and they had to find their way between them. "There were a few times where you couldn't tell where the trail went," says June in an Oregon Public Broadcasting documentary about their ride. "At that time we said well, they should be doing something about coordinating this trail." Read more and find a link to the documentary online in our blog post. RIP June. We'll miss you.

There's a new shuttle service in Washington for long-distance PCT hikers! Yellow Blaze Transit, a PCTA partner, offers shuttle bus transit between Seattle, Mazama, and Winthropbridging the distance between Seattle, the North Cascades, and the Methow Valley. Check out their website below for more informationincluding how you can get to Hart's Pass. https://www.yellowblazetransit.com/

Today we honor all who made the greatest sacrifice in service to our nation. And to those who have served and continue to serve, we offer our deepest thanks, appreciation, and respect. Photo of Eagle Rock on the Pacific Crest Trail by Scott Burnham.

Winter is a beautiful time, but with the new season comes new challenges and safety considerations to take into account. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this incredible time of year, and we want you to stay safe while doing it. Check out these tips to gauge your winter safety awareness, and do your research to #RecreateResponsibly.

We're reflecting on all the hard work volunteers put in this year despite the incredible challenges of this season. Between the pandemic and the historic wildfire year, volunteers continued to find ways to support the trail from writing and advocacy projects to joining virtual trainings and gearing up for small, safe trail maintenance trips. Each one played an important role this year. The PCTA is so grateful to have dedicated volunteers who are willing to go the extra mile. Thank you to all who protect, preserve, and promote this beautiful trail. It wouldn't be the same without you! Photo of Dave Fleischman by Weathercarrot

It's #GivingTuesday. On this global day of giving, make a gift to protect and preserve the PCT. Help us reach our $15,000 goal.

If you’re in search of some Pacific Crest Trail gear or the perfect holiday gift, do a little shopping with our partners and pat yourself on the back. Each time you buy, these great companies donate to the PCTA’s efforts to take care of the trail. Our warmest thanks to you, and them.

Take a look at all of the snow on Mount Laguna above San Diego! Who's looking forward to a little skiing and snowshoeing this winter?

The wind storm on Labor Day weekend took down a lot of trees in the Columbia Cascades. So volunteers with Pacific Crest Trail Association, Mount Hood Chapter did what they do bestgeared up and headed out to see the damage. In just one day, this two-person crew logged out NINE logs using only cross-cut saws! Talk about a feel-good Friday! Photos by Peter Hoffman

Along the PCT in Southern California recent wildfires push a rare species to the brink as biologists try a last-ditch rescue.

Volunteers who are able to get out in the dirt are taking extra safety precautions based on the PCTA's 2020 Trail Maintenance Protocols. One of those precautions being trail crew signs similar to this one, that can alert hikers about the crew up ahead! This helps crews and trail users keep their distance when out on the trail. Photo by Mark Boatsman cc: North 350 Blades

Extremely strict fire restrictions have been extended in California until Oct 30th! https://www.fs.usda.gov/r5

Hannah Levy, ACE Corps Crew member, tells us a bit about how summer went.

We are overjoyed to report that Beth Boyst, the U.S. Forest Service PCT Administrator and close friend of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, was awarded Wilderness Agency Partner of the Year by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance (NWSA) for her supreme work in helping to steward the John Muir Trail section of the PCT. Congratulations, Beth!

Join Barney Scout Mann and Backpacker Magazine for a live Facebook chat at 3 p.m. Pacific!

Johnny Wilke, ACE Corps Crew member, tells us about what this season on the trail, during this crazy year, meant to him.

UPDATE: Most national forests have reopened, but there are still some closures and a lot of restrictions. Check with your local national forest before heading out this holiday weekend because restrictions vary widely. And remember that campfires and smoking are BANNED in all National Forest System lands in the Pacific Southwest Region. Have a great weekend!

What's it like out on a trail crew?

Seven National Forests (NF) in California remain closed: Angeles NF, Cleveland NF, Los Padres NF, Inyo NF, San Bernardino NF, Sequoia NF, and Sierra NF. This decision will continue to be reviewed daily, taking fire and weather conditions into account. Eleven National Forests may be open to varying degrees. Visitors should contact the following National Forests for more information on their status: Eldorado NF, Klamath NF, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Lassen NF, Mendocino NF, Modoc NF, Plumas NF, Shasta-Trinity NF, Six Rivers NF, Stanislaus NF, and Tahoe NF. For additional questions, please contact your local National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/news-events/