A while back we introduced you to Alexa McRoberts and her sisters, Kahla and Dayna. Together, they began their Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in early May. Their first days on trail provided a quick introduction to PCT hiking: blistering sun, pouring rain and surprise snowstorms. Nevertheless, they persisted. Now, a month and a half later, …
It’s week #3 in our Trail Food Taste-Off series. In this round, we’re sharing our picks for protein items, namely meat snacks and nut butters. Foods packed with energy-rich fats and proteins are good for endurance, longevity and maintaining muscle strength.* But they also need to taste good and sit well in the stomach—this means no …
The last couple weeks have seen a mixed bag of weather conditions across the Northwest. Several days of sun and rain have helped to melt the trail out, but a few days of colder temps and even new snow across the Crest have hampered progress. Several hikers attempting to trek across Oregon have been reporting …
Located on the north side of Mount Jefferson (Sec. 5), Jefferson Park is one of Oregon’s wilderness gems. The area features several picturesque lakes, expansive wildflower meadows and stunning views of Mount Jefferson. Combined with its easy access from the Pamelia Lake trailhead and proximity to the PCT, it is a favorite destination for thru-hikes and weekenders alike. Unfortunately, the …
When it comes to trail snack bars, there’s almost as many options to choose from as there are trees in the forest. Sure, you can load up on the tried-and-true classics, but after a few days—or weeks—of the same ol’ thing, those repetitive—and often uneaten—bars start weighing down your pack. As part of our recent Trail Food …
As I’ve been traveling around the Northwest presenting my new guidebook, Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon, one of the most common questions I’m asked is what kind of gear I recommend for the PCT. I usually preface my responses with the fact that I am not an ultraliter or minimalist. I don’t mind indulging in a …