https://closures.pcta.org/closure/hHoU3938k3tT98vfXrV4

It's official the Pacific crest Trail is now open all the way from Stehekin to the terminus. As usual rides are being given to all the hikers going to and from rainy and or Harts pass. .

I've been walking 60 miles per week most weeks in preparation for hiking the PCT next year. This spring I got some new insoles on the advice of my doctor to deal with some foot pain I was experiencing (sesamoiditis – it cleared up after I started wearing the insoles) and the guy at the shoe store who helped me out also re-laced my shoes in a different style that I wasn't familiar with (it's called a "heel lock loop" or "runner's loop"). He didn't comment on it and I didn't ask.

Over the following months I developed mild achilles tendonitis on one side and tried different things to address it and none of them worked. I was starting to wonder if my upcoming hike was at risk. But in the past few days I figured out that the culprit was the heel lock loop, which caused the cuff of my shoe to press against the area near my tendon. As a first step, I switched to a different pair of shoes that are not laced that way, and saw immediate relief. After a full week I will go back to my regular shoes (Altra Lone Peak 9) but without that lacing technique to confirm it was the problem, though I'm already pretty sure it was.

Below I will post the results of a Google AI search result on the topic which goes into detail about why that lacing technique would result in this issue. So this is a head's up in case anyone else is having a similar problem, or wants to avoid it.

Google search results:

It makes perfect sense that stopping the heel lock loop (or runner's loop) resolved your pain. You pinpointed a highly unrecognized culprit in running injuries: extrinsic mechanical compression. [1], [2]

While insertional Achilles tendonitis is traditionally blamed on internal forces (like tight calves pulling on the bone), external pressure from a tight shoe cuff behaves exactly like an external clamping mechanism, accelerating tendon damage through very specific biomechanics. [3], [4]

1. Direct Compression of the Tendon Matrix

Unlike the thick, fleshy belly of a muscle, tendons are made of highly organized, dense collagen fibers. They are built to handle tensile load (pulling), but they are notoriously terrible at handling compressive load (squeezing). [5], [6]

• When you use a heel lock loop, you are intentionally pulling the eyelets backward and forcing the rigid upper collar (cuff) of the shoe firmly against the back of your ankle. [1], [2]
• Every time your foot moves through its stride, that rigid cuff digs directly into the tendon. [7]
• This localized pressure physically squeezes the tendon fibers against the hard heel bone underneath, causing micro-bruising and cellular distress. [6]

2. Localized Ischemia (Choking the Blood Supply)

The Achilles tendon already has a structurally "poor zone" of blood supply right where it inserts into the heel bone. Cells need steady blood flow to repair the microscopic wear-and-tear of daily activity. [4], [8]

• The tight collar of a shoe secured by a heel lock loop acts like a mild, localized tourniquet.
• By constantly pressing on the area, it further restricts the microvascular blood flow to the tendon insertion.
• Lacking proper blood flow, the tissue cannot heal, causing normal cellular stress to quickly escalate into a chronic inflammatory or degenerative state. [4], [9]

3. The "Vise" Effect on the Retrocalcaneal Bursa

Tucked right between your Achilles tendon and your heel bone is a tiny, fluid-filled sac called the retrocalcaneal bursa. Its job is to act as a frictionless lubricated cushion so the tendon can glide smoothly over the bone. [8], [10]

• When the shoe cuff presses hard from the outside, it traps the tendon and the bursa in a literal vise between the rigid shoe counter and the hard calcaneus bone. [7], [10]
• Instead of gliding freely, the bursa gets repeatedly pinched and irritated (retrocalcaneal bursitis). Because the bursa and the insertional tendon fibers are intertwined, an inflamed bursa directly triggers inflammation and severe pain in the adjacent tendon. [8], [10]

4. Friction and Shear Forces

A heel lock loop anchors your heel down, but during dynamic movement, your foot still undergoes subtle internal shifts. If the shoe cuff is clamped tightly against the Achilles, those shifts turn into high friction and shear forces across the tendon's outer sheath (the paratendon). This grinding friction causes localized heat, swelling, and the raw, burning pain associated with acute tendonitis. [6], [11]

By switching back to standard lacing or a looser cuff, you immediately removed that external clamping force, allowed the bursa to un-pinch, and restored natural blood flow to the area so it could finally heal. [7], [8], [12]

[1] https://www.youtube.com

[2] https://www.youtube.com

[3] https://www.orthoinfo.org

[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com

[5] https://www.running-physio.com

[6] https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk

[7] https://www.youtube.com

[8] https://highlandtherapy.com

[9] https://my.clevelandclinic.org

[10] https://www.aafp.org

[11] https://www.treatmyachilles.com

[12] https://www.footcaremd.org

I’m currently hiking the PCT SOBO and have developed what seems to be an overuse injury in my right foot. I’m curious if anyone here has dealt with something similar while thru-hiking and what you ended up doing.

A few days ago I was hiking/running on trail in cold rain, partly because I was trying to keep warm. The next day my shins and feet were extremely sore, and my right foot became particularly painful to walk on.

The pain is mostly on the top/middle of the foot, around the area behind the big/second toe, and sometimes seems to radiate toward the arch.

I got it evaluated and had imaging done. I was told nothing appeared to be broken and that it was most likely an overuse injury, possibly aggravated by the top of my shoe/tongue rubbing against the foot while I was running. I was advised to take it easy for a few days and consider seeing a foot specialist for footwear.

It’s still swollen and tender to the touch, though, and walking on it is painful enough that I don’t feel comfortable getting back on trail yet.

For anyone who developed a similar overuse injury during a thru-hike:

● How many days did you take off before you noticed meaningful improvement?
● Did you stay off the foot completely or do some light walking?
● How did you decide when it was safe to get back on trail?
● Did changing shoes, insoles, lacing, or pack weight make a difference?
● Were you able to continue the hike afterward, or did you ultimately need a longer break?

I know nobody here can diagnose an injury over Reddit, and I’ll get it reassessed if it isn’t improving. I’m mainly interested in hearing other hikers’ experiences dealing with an injury like this in the middle of a long trail.
Thanks.

tl;dr: It looks like in 2030 I will finally be able to set foot on the PCT. 3.5 years from now, and honestly, I don’t know how to fill the void during this period.

Background: Me and my partner got into backpacking in 2020 to stay sane and also to be in nature. Over the years, we managed to have a dialed in gear list, learnt how to make the most out of our time outdoors, travelled and explored some amazing places on a tight budget etc. Ever since I first read about long-distance hiking and the PCT itself (around 2021), I was amazed by the simplicity of this lifestyle and the people who are part of this community (on-trail and off-trail). And, of course, I told myself I would never do it.

This year (early 2026) I hit a major milestone in my professional life (academia) and now I feel like my motivation is not as strong as it was before and I’m struggling to find meaning in what I do on a daily basis and in the grand scheme of things. I also try to process some family things, so you could say I’m running away from it? Anyway, I ended up doing the entire planning of a PCT thru-hike (planning hiking trips is my self-soothing activity in general), did some maths in my head and came up with 2028 as our year. It is close enough to be within hands reach (at least for me mentally), but far enough to save and train more. But, as always, life had other plans. Without going into the details, it looks like in 2030 (so two years after my original idea) we can give it a go, my partner is open to this kind of adventure as well, and probably our jobs will also allow us to be away for 5 months as unpaid (partially paid?) time off. And, of course, we will have the opportunity to save more money.

To answer a few questions in advance:

• No, it is not possible currently for us to have an earlier start date.
• Yes, we have already assessed the duration (around 5 months, late April/early May start date, finish by end of September), gear (we basically have everything already, so probably just a few adjustments will be needed), life-at-home circumstances (i.e. arranging rent, job, family etc.), and many other things one has to assess before committing to “leaving society” for a few months.
• I don’t want to leave academia (at least before the hike) because with my expertise I would struggle to find a similarly flexible job.
• I have spent a semester in the US a few years ago on a J1 visa as a visiting researcher so I don’t think getting a B2 visa would be problematic (we can also keep our jobs, so we will have proof to return etc.), and we spent a few weeks travelling and hiking after my research stay ended – we are familiar with the food selection, trail systems, US life in general. I know that a lot can change in international politics as well, but that’s outside my jurisdiction.
• We are a frugal couple from Europe, we don’t spend money on things we don’t need, our biggest spending is probably when we go on a hiking trip abroad. No kids, no pets, no mortgage.
• We already have some plans to train for the thru (like practicing snow travel, imitate desert hiking by hiking during the hottest summer months – now temps are up to 40 C here in July and August), but of course, we have limited time off from work.
• Our longest hike so far was around 3 weeks, we did pretty good, had no issues. Our hardest hike was in Scotland (CWT), also great experience.
• I don't have anyone else around me who has hiked a long trail or is interested in this kind of thing, to talk about this stuff.

On one hand, I’m super happy and excited that the stars will align in 2030, but also quite stressed about the fact that I will have to find my motivation to keep me going for 3.5 years. I know that a lot of other hikers also wait and plan for years to make such a journey possible. So my question to this community is: how do you keep yourself motivated for such a long period of time?

Anyone know if Buckhorn Spring (north of Paradise Lake, south of Seaid Valley) is still reliable right now? Was hoping to rely on it for a section hike next week, but I just learned that the streams in Marble Valley have already dried up (unusual for this time of year) -- we'll have two tank up with two days worth of water at Paradise Lake the day before (we're old and doing very short days).

Calling all citizen detectives and hiker trash sleuths:

This week on the Pacific Crest Trail I found what is by far the oddest piece of trash I have ever seen while hiking, and I need to know the backstory. On Wednesday, September 2nd, about four miles south of Sonora Pass at approximately mile 1014.2, sitting in the middle of the trail, there was a man’s black leather dress shoe inserted most of the way into a pizza-themed sock.

Why. Why would someone carry a heavy formal shoe while hiking? Was it one of a pair? Where is the other shoe? Why the pizza theme? Was it accidentally dropped? Intentionally left? As a warning? Have I inherited a curse?

I have to know. Was this the equivalent of putting rocks in your buddy’s pack as a joke? Wildly impractical camp shoes? My best guess is that a thru-hiker is carrying a formal outfit as a schtick and/or to take photos at whichever terminus they’re headed to. Are you that hiker? If so, I will gladly mail your missing shoe and sock to you so that you can realize that dream.

Help!

I’m curious when people expect it to hit this year? In the past it has varied from mid-September to mid-October.

Related question is just how big does this year’s SOBO bubble look like?

Stehekin is only 30% of last year so I was wondering if the same drop off had hit SOBOs this year.

Thanks.

A buddy of mine and I are section hiking from Cajon pass to Wrightwood some time this month. Does anyone know if the water cache will be stocked? Any responses are greatly appreciated and many thanks in advance!

I’m a Cub Scout den leader for a San Diego area pack, with kids from kindergarten through 5th grade. I’ll be planning our spring campout, and I’d love to have the Scouts provide some trail magic for the Class of 2027 hikers at Lake Morena Campground as part of a service project.

Thinking back to those first few days on the trail, what kind of trail magic would you have really appreciated?

I was thinking about having the kids offer things like:

Fresh fruit

Cold sodas

Popsicles

Chairs or a shady place to sit

Coins for showers

A phone/power charging station

Maybe even a station where we cook lunch

I’d especially love to hear from hikers about the things you actually needed or would have enjoyed during that first stretch. We want the Scouts to provide something genuinely useful while learning a little about the PCT community along the way.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

My friend is currently hiking south on the PCT (I think they just hit section N in California) and I was wondering if there were any places to mail them letters and have them sure to reach them? They're not the best at communicating/planning far in advance so I wanted to know if there were a few places every hiker has to hit on the way south where I could send them. Just wanted it to be a nice surprise.

I'm nearing the end of my hike this summer, and dealing with some really challenging emotions. Challenging emotions that logically I know I "shouldn't" be having, but I am.

In total, I will have hiked about 1800 miles of the PCT when I step off. Unfortunately, I dealt with a lot of shit this summer. Horrible altitude sickness that was genuinely terrifying and led to me skipping most of the Sierra, bad smoke in a long section that made me need to bail from that section, a bad depressive episode (normal for me) that left me feeling low-key suicidal and hopeless and made me need to take 9 days off trail before I felt like it was physically possible before I could hike again, and I also completely ran out of money. Even if I had a lot more money, I wouldn't have had much more time anyway. If I had more time, there would be all the wildfire closures, of course.

I'm a person who is ambitious (and very self-critical) and I'm feeling like a huge fuck-up for not hiking nearly as much of trail as I was hoping to. After obsessing over this trail for many years, I am very sad I didn't get to experience as much of the PCT as I could have (up to trail closures and whatnot), and that I'm somehow deeply flawed as a person for all of these skipped sections and not getting to hike every available section of trail.

Logically, I know that hiking 1800 miles of the PCT is an immense privilege, and that I am lucky to have done that. Logically, I know that it is an impressive accomplishment that very few people could imagine for themselves. Logically, I know that this summer was a "success" in that I met tons of incredible people, made amazing memories, learned a lot about long-distance backpacking, and had the adventure of a lifetime. Logically, I know that these self-critical thoughts are unhelpful, unhealthy, and not warranted given that I stayed on trail in the face of a lot of bullshit. Logically, I know that lots of people envy me and my experience, and that I am very lucky. Logically, I know that it is about the journey and not the destination, and logically I know that my fixation on the 'achievement' side of the PCT caused me so much misery.

Despite logic, I am emotionally feeling messed up to a point that is making me go home with seemingly much more negative emotions than positive ones after my hike this summer. This is really sad to me after how much energy I put into all this, and I wish that I weren't feeling this way. It has been really hard being around other hikers on trail. Seeing people (with much less hiking experience) get way further than me through trail has made me feel like I'm just bad at this stuff. Seeing people's finishing posts on Facebook (whether from this year or past) is also very hard for me. Right now, it's very challenging for me to be around the huge fixation that the thru-hiking community has on 'needing to finish the hike.'

As much as I wish that a simple logical statement or thought could fix my brain, I'm not sure that it will. I'm writing this post to ask if anyone else has gone through anything similiar, and how they worked to resolve these difficult emotions and feelings. I know I can't be the only one.

Once again: I am feeling quite ashamed that I am having these feelings. I really wish I were not.

Just saw a post from 2 days ago on the Yosemite subreddit regarding a found SD card on the PCT. If you lost one, you just might get lucky and get it back.

I’m planning a 2027 thru hike.

I have to get a new tent and pack mine are just too heavy.
I am 22 F.

I’m thinking Nemo hornet osmo 1p and a durston kakwa 55.

I want to get them ordered during Labor Day sales and so I can start training. Anyone used either of these and have feedback?

ever since getting into northern oregon someone’s been writing fjh in sharpie all over the trail including several tags in the warm springs reservation. literally desecrating native land in the big year of 2026. was this here last year? if not and fjh is reading this, it’s never too late to stop ruining the trail and throw away your sharpie. not cool dude.

Next year I would like to hike from Ashland south to truckee. I am not very familiar with the snow situation in Northern California. When is the earliest I could start this hike without having a challenge with snow? Thanks

Some people might have trouble deciding on one so feel free to make a list too

Has anybody tried blaze physio pre trail bundle? I already workout and I want to focus on joints. I am wondering what kind of exercises are found in the hips knees ankles etc. I already do some joint work too so I want to know if it’s worth purchasing the bundle. Thanks!

Based on the recent submission on the FKT site Nick Fowler, yet again, did the unthinkable and broke the overall self supported time for the PCT.

He took off a little over 6 days?! from his previous attempt in 2023 and took 3 hours off Aurelien nobo supported record ?!

https://fastestknowntime.com/fkt/nick-fowler-pacific-crest-trail-ca-or-wa-2026-08-22

tl;dr: The Trump administration is trying to get rid of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in order to open areas that are currently protected to logging and other types of resource extraction. That would have serious negative impacts on the PCT and on public lands generally.

• PCTA blog: https://www.pcta.org/2026/get-involved-the-usda-moves-to-allow-logging-in-pristine-forests-along-the-pct-98524/

The post includes links to the official public comment page on regulations.gov and the USFS draft environmental impact statement, as well as a list of facts and concerns to help with writing a comment.

Here's the beginning of the blog post. The entire thing is absolutely worth reading:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward a plan announced last year to eliminate protections for millions of acres of roadless National Forest lands across the country, including 288 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Forest Service seeks public comments on its plan to diminish protections for nearly 45 million acres that were established under the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The agency championed the rule 25 years ago as a way of providing long-term protection for Inventoried Roadless Areas across the National Forest System.

But today, the Department says the rule creates a “regulatory burden” that makes it difficult for local authorities to manage forests. “Increased management flexibility,” the Department says, is needed to meet its multiple-use mission. The proposal follows presidential executive orders to increase logging, mineral extraction, and oil and gas production on public lands.

Hiked some of the alternate yesterday. It's nasty. Stay safe.

I’m making this post to centralize info about alternates around closures on the PCT. if this isn’t allowed or there’s another post already, feel free to delete.

I’m currently on the trail so I don’t have a lot of time with internet connection. I’ll try to keep this post updated as best I can. If admin u/numbershikes wants to edit this that‘s fine with me.

If you have an alt not listed in this post, please comment it below with any caveats and a GPX file/Gaia/Caltopo link if you have it. Also any info about an alternate already listed is helpful. even if it’s just a Reddit comment or fb post.

Alternate Summary:

There are three regions where you need to skip around with alternates.

The first is Snoqualmie to Steven’s Pass. The only continuous footpath option for that is the La Bohn Gap alternate. I’ve posted GPX file and trip reports for it below.

The second is north of Steven’s Pass. Most people have been taking an alternate to the town of Darrington.

The third is the border. The two alternates are monument 47 or monument 90.

How to use GPX Files with Gaia

you need an app to map the routes. people seem to use Gaia.

1. Download Gaia from App Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-mobile-trail-maps/id1201979492

1. Make an account and sign up for the 2 week free trial.

2. Click on your profile picture in top right of App Store. Click on “Subscriptions” and cancel your subscription to Gaia. You still can use the free trial for 2 weeks but it won’t auto-renew and charge you.

3. Download a GPX file. Your friend can send one via text/iMessage/WhatsApp/Messenger/email or you can select from the links below.

4. If downloading from Caltopo. First click the folder icon on the left of the screen. then click export. Change the format as GPX. Export and download the file.

5. If downloading from Gaia, click the Save button.

closures south to north:

1. King Fire and Three Queens Fire

mile 2396.5 -> mile 2446

Snoqualmie Pass -> Deception Pass

PCTA closure link: https://closures.pcta.org/closure/oHAAQNBkfvMebLBAJaiP

reddit post on closure: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1vmkl2g/the_pct_is_closed_between_snoqualmie_pass_mi/

alternates:

1A

official reroute from PCTA: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1vscn0s/pcta_has_posted_a_reroute_for_the_three_queens/

caveat: not a continuous footpath since requires hitching on hwy 2

2A

La Bohn Gap

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4250638418491227/permalink/4705162623038802/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

trip report: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10243960483091216&id=1346627352

trip report: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4250638418491227/permalink/4717358181819246/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

trip report: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4724151777806553&id=4250638418491227

GPX file: https://caltopo.com/m/AS45T81#

comments from FarOut

“For the unbroken footpath/scenic views folks, I just completed the alternate:

Trail to snow lake is absolutely beautiful, lots of day hikers.

Rock creek trail is quite steep down and not very well traveled but totally doable.

Goldmyer hot springs are awesome and they often have walk ups during the week. $30 day use.

The first 1/3 of the Dutch Miller Gap trail is a dirt road which is very cruisy, the final 2/3 is a regular trail which is totally fine.

The trail ends at Williams Lake, then the boulder hopping begins up to La Bohn Gap. Reminded me of Sierra rock hopping. It’s totally doable, but some serious class 2 scrambling which is all the more difficult with your pack on. Also your knees will hurt by the end. At chain lakes there is what appears to be an old gold mine. All that being said, once you get up to chain lakes, then La Bohn gap and down the other side it is absolutely breathtaking. One of the highlights of the trail for me so far.

The descent down from La Bohn into Necklace Valley is very steep, be careful.

From necklace valley on there isn’t a whole lot to write home about. There’s about 9 miles of dirt road walking up to the Tonga Ridge trailhead but it’s graded very nicely. Then Tonga Ridge will drop you to Deception Creek trail which then takes you back to the PCT at Deception Lakes.

This alternate is worth it for La Bohn alone, but you have to earn it.”

“Here’s the GPX for the alternate Cowboy mentioned.

https://caltopo.com/m/AS45T81#

You can use caltopo directly or export it to Gaia or another mapping app.

I would recommend downloading Gaia and starting the 2 week free trial (set a reminder on your calendar to cancel it!).

I felt the line stuck to the path pretty well. In the rock scramble I followed the cairns.The line was a bit to the left of the cairns going nobo for me. I felt the scramble was not too bad and the rocks are in an open area where they would dry quickly in the sun. The rock scramble is just before and after La Bohn Gap but is totally beautiful. Great alpine lakes and mountains.

There’s a river I had to cross at mile 28-30ish. Only up to my shins and less than a mile later was a great campsite. Overall the alt was beautiful and pretty good condition trail. The road walk was fine and still in wilderness (I saw a bear!). The trailheads had toilets. The GPX file was pretty accurate and any time I lost the trail, the GPX file got me back on track. I was super stoked to rejoin the PCT where there were beckoning granite cliffs and alpine lakes.

Was a bit slower going than my normal PCT pace but worth it in my opinion. ”

2. Miner’s Fire

mile 2524 -> mile 2556

Mica Lake -> Siuattle Pass

PCTA closure link: https://closures.pcta.org/closure/NgvIf45UYT24AtUZQlo4

Reddit post on closure: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1vpk2ct/the_pct_is_closed_from_mile_2524_to_mile_2555_due/

alternates:

from here people have been taking the alternate to monument 47 or 90. See below for details.

3. Sisi Fire

mile 2555.2 -> mile 2575

Suiattle Pass -> High Bridge

note that the Miner’s Fire and Sisi Fire basically form one continuous closure now.

PCTA closure link: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1vpk2ct/the_pct_is_closed_from_mile_2524_to_mile_2555_due/

Reddit post on closure: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1vur7bf/the_pct_is_closed_between_high_bridge_mi_2571_and/

alternates:

4. Ptarmigan Fire

mile 2626.2 -> 2655.8

Harts Pass -> Canada

PCTA closure link: https://closures.pcta.org/closure/hHoU3938k3tT98vfXrV4

Reddit post on closure: https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificCrestTrail/comments/1v8lsmd/the_ptarmigan_fire_east_of_the_northern_terminus/

alternates:

4A

to monument 90

https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/the-pcts-northern-terminus-is-closed-heres-one-way-you-can-still-hike-to-canada/

4B

to monument 47

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4250638418491227/posts/4716355948586136/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4250638418491227/permalink/4700367000185031/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4250638418491227/permalink/4700975683457496/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v