I walked across an empty land
I knew the pathway like the back of my hand
I felt the earth beneath my feet
Sat by the river and it made me complete1
I grew up hiking, mostly in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I’ve hiked all around Washington State — we are certainly blessed with so many hikes on public land. With so much on offer, why do I keep going back to the Pacific Crest Trail?
I pondered this question on a recent hike – part of which was on the PCT (of course). I think it’s multiple things. First, the PCT is very well marked and very well maintained. The trail is so well-loved that there are active volunteer groups managing the trail maintenance. There’s a ton of information about the trail available, and a variety of smartphone apps provide navigation options for the PCT. These factors make the PCT more accessible than some other trails.
But I think the biggest factor is how iconic this trail is. Even if I’m out for a short day hike, I know that I’m walking a path the wends from Mexico north into Canada. I know that thousands of other feet will trod the same ground I’m hiking. Maybe that’s why I keep going back to the PCT. There’s a sense of community the moment I step foot on the trail. I’ve encountered people from all over the United States & from at least a dozen other countries, and we all share an affection for this trail. Everyone is a part of my tramily, even if our encounter is a mere exchange of head nods & “Enjoy the hike” salutations.
There are times I’ve cursed this trail even as I’ve always loved it. I can envision almost every campsite at which I’ve slept along this trail. Even when I’m in the front country, my brain takes me back to the trail.
I can’t wait to go back.
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