The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) awarded HIKE for Mental Health with a Partnership Award on the main stage of Pacific Crest Trail Days this year. The PCTA highlighted HFMH’s “efforts to raise money for mental health research and trail conservation” that “have stimulated joy and compassion amongst the PCT community.” Read on to learn more about the exciting weekend!

Looking northbound along the Pacific Crest Trail
towards “Three Fingered Jack” outside of Sisters, Oregon

PCT Days is held annually in late August each year in Cascade Locks, Oregon along the mighty Columbia River to celebrate the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and its community. This was HFMH’s second time being able to attend the event. The PCT traverses 2,650 miles through the states of California, Oregon and Washington, to create a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada. Running north to south through millions of acres of public land along the western mountain ranges of the United States, the PCT was officially recognized as a National Scenic Trail in 1968.

PCT Days celebrates and promotes hiking, camping, backpacking and outdoor stewardship with over 100 exhibiting sponsors offering the latest outdoor gear, and opportunities to learn more about nonprofits that support the trail.

Since 2014, HIKE for Mental Health, alongside our community of volunteers and fundraisers, has been able to contribute over $65,000 towards the continued preservation and protection of this trail. Because of this continued support, the Pacific Crest Trail Association awarded HFMH with a Partnership Award on the main stage of PCT Days this year.

Volunteers Dave Meehl, Cristen Meehl and Brielle Brack stand with HFMH Vice President, Brayden Donnelly and the Partnership Award from the Pacific Crest Trail Association

The award inscription reads:

“In recognition of your longtime partnership with the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Your efforts to raise money for mental health research and trail conservation have stimulated joy and compassion amongst the PCT community. Your organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for trail organizations such as PCTA, while championing the benefits of hiking for mental health. HIKE for Mental Health’s steadfast commitment to promoting “hikes that bring hope” brings the healing power of nature to so many people. We are grateful for your partnership and generous donations over the past 10 years. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we at PCTA want to say thank you for all you have done and continue to do to inspire us and many others.”

HFMH Vice President, Brayden Donnelly, accepting the PCTA’s Partnership Award from Director of Philanthropy, Angie Williamson and CEO, Megan Wargo on the main stage

Over 300 people stopped by the HIKE for Mental Health booth to learn about the organization and hear how they could get involved

Nearly 55 people attended a presentation given by Vice President Brayden Donnelly on the topic of Post-Trail Depression

HIKE for Mental Health is thankful for this honor from the PCTA. And, we are excited to continue to support trail conservation on the PCT so that we can share the joy of hiking and bring hope to those battling mental illness, one hike at a time, along all 2,650 miles of this special trail.

The PCT blaze along the trail near Ashland, Oregon