Congress to border brass: Let Pacific Crest Trail hikers come in from Canada

Hikers coming into the U.S. from Canada should be able to enjoy spectacular northern reaches of the Pacific Crest Trail and not face fine or arrest, 20 members of Congress have written to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“Unfortunately, hikers seeking to traverse the PCT from its northern most point on the Canadian side of the border are unable to legally do so because there is not currently a U.S. Port of Entry there,” the lawmakers wrote.

They asked border protection chief Gil Kerlikowse, a former Seattle Police Chief, to give “swift attention to rectifying this obstacle to fully enjoying one of our country’s most treasured scenic trails.”

The Pacific Crest Trail traverses high meadows of the Pasayten Wilderness Area from the border to Hart’s Pass. It passes such beauty spots as Grasshopper Pass and Cutthroat Pass as it heads south to cross the North Cascades Highway.

Hikers headed north into Canada can legally cross the 49th Parallel by obtaining an Application for Entry from the Canada Border Services Agency. They simply show the application at Manning Provincial Park headquarters. Not so, goin’ south.

The lawmakers’ letter, put together by U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., explains:

 

The following are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.