PCT Days 2026 Draws Thru-Hikers to Cascade

The Pacific Crest Trail Association hosted its PCT Days festival in Cascade Locks, Oregon, on August 14-15, 2026. The event brought together thru-hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend centered on the Pacific Crest Trail community.

Organizers described the gathering as a "rain or shine" event. This year, attendees experienced light winds, a chilly morning, and some drizzle. No tents were blown away.

Event Highlights and Community Spirit

The weekend was coordinated by event producer Jason Waicunas and his team. A key fundraiser was the event raffle. It generated more than $9,000. The proceeds were shared among three organizations: Trailkeepers of Oregon, the American Long-Distance Hiking Association West (ALDHA-West), and the PCTA itself.

Angie Williamson, Senior Manager of Gifts & Partnerships for the PCTA, commented on the festival's atmosphere. "This was such a great event bringing all of us together," Williamson said. "PCTA is happy to be included and to get a chance to celebrate the PCT and connect with the community that loves and supports the trail."

Speaker Series and Personal Stories

A central feature was "The Trail Changes Us" speaker series held on Saturday afternoon. Three individuals shared personal stories from the PCT: Abigail Bassett, Jay France, and Glen Van Peski. They spoke about adventure, challenge, friendship, and discovery on the long-distance trail.

Abigail Bassett, a PCT thru-hiker who now volunteers with PCTA marketing, reflected on the event's unique community feel. "It really is like a family reunion, even though you haven’t met most of the people there," Bassett said. "You all know each other in a way; you have a bond that can’t be explained to others outside the long-distance trail community through your shared passion for the PCT."

Amy Calvillo Aubin, the PCTA's Associate Director of Volunteer Programs, emphasized the value of these connections. "I especially enjoy connecting with people who stop by the PCTA tent," Aubin stated. "Hearing their stories, learning about their experiences on the trail, and seeing how much joy and gratitude this community has for being outdoors makes it all so worthwhile."

Vendor Collaborations and Festival Activities

The PCTA booth collaborated with the outdoor gear company Enlightened Equipment. They hosted a giveaway for a limited-edition quilt and gift boxes. Other activities included drinking Triple Crown Coffee and watching the "Enlightened Equipment Tramily Feud" game.

Volunteers at the PCTA booth answered questions and applied temporary tattoos. The association expressed gratitude for these volunteers, noting that every interaction contributed to the event's positive energy.

Photography for the event was provided by Shonda and Les at Grey Feather Photography, along with volunteer Abigail Bassett. The PCTA has already begun looking forward to PCT Days 2027.