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The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader, Oregon and Washington: Adventure, History, and Legend on the Long-Distance Trail
* Unique woodcut illustrations decorate both volumes
* Trail map to follow story locations in each volume
* For both hikers and armchair adventurers of the PCT
Exploring the people, places, and history of the Pacific Crest Trail as it ranges 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader brings together short excerpts from classic works of regional writing and boot-tested stories from the trail.
The heart of this anthology is these real trail tales, stories taken from PCT trailside humor and traditions, "trail angels" and "trail magic," encounters with wildlife and wild weather, stories of being lost and found, rescues, and unusual incidents. Revealing a larger context are historical accounts of events such as Moses Schallenberger's winter on Donner Pass and pioneer efforts like the old Naches Road that ended up creating access to today's trails; Native American myths and legends such as that of Lost Lake near Mount Hood; and selections from highly-regarded environmental writers who have captured the region in print, including Mary Austin in The Land of Little Rain ; John Muir in The Mountains of California ; and Barry Lopez in Crossing Open Ground . Readers will also enjoy a few more surprising contributions from the likes of Mark Twain and Ursula Le Guin.
Organized parallel to the actual sections of the PCt and presented in two regional volumes, The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader will entertain everyone from dedicated thru-hikers to lovers of regional lore. Need more from the PCT Readers? Editors Rees Hughes and Corey Lewis are sharing stories from the trail on their website, . Submit your own images or stories from the trail, or simply get lost in the tales from other travelers...
* Trail map to follow story locations in each volume
* For both hikers and armchair adventurers of the PCT
Exploring the people, places, and history of the Pacific Crest Trail as it ranges 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader brings together short excerpts from classic works of regional writing and boot-tested stories from the trail.
The heart of this anthology is these real trail tales, stories taken from PCT trailside humor and traditions, "trail angels" and "trail magic," encounters with wildlife and wild weather, stories of being lost and found, rescues, and unusual incidents. Revealing a larger context are historical accounts of events such as Moses Schallenberger's winter on Donner Pass and pioneer efforts like the old Naches Road that ended up creating access to today's trails; Native American myths and legends such as that of Lost Lake near Mount Hood; and selections from highly-regarded environmental writers who have captured the region in print, including Mary Austin in The Land of Little Rain ; John Muir in The Mountains of California ; and Barry Lopez in Crossing Open Ground . Readers will also enjoy a few more surprising contributions from the likes of Mark Twain and Ursula Le Guin.
Organized parallel to the actual sections of the PCt and presented in two regional volumes, The Pacific Crest Trailside Reader will entertain everyone from dedicated thru-hikers to lovers of regional lore. Need more from the PCT Readers? Editors Rees Hughes and Corey Lewis are sharing stories from the trail on their website, . Submit your own images or stories from the trail, or simply get lost in the tales from other travelers...
385 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 17, 2018
Challenging and exciting for the PCT explorers and commentators, a wide range of folks. Among the forests and animals, there's your feet, trekkers and climbers, beer packers and outlaws, food/water and no food/water, near death, blisters and relationships are survivors and characters like Piss-Fir Willie, 'Kid, there's only two tings that a tree-planter needs to know: The green side goes up, and ain't no raingear in the world that'll keep you dry,' and, naturally, time and space and the Dharma.
'I pressed my boot into the smooth, icy snow, gaining a secure foothold; then I stepped forward and pressed the other foot into place. The decision to cross the ice field was made.'
'I pressed my boot into the smooth, icy snow, gaining a secure foothold; then I stepped forward and pressed the other foot into place. The decision to cross the ice field was made.'
October 5, 2022
This was a fun thing to read while on the trail! I preferred the historical context stories over the more modern ones.
Mostly because almost all of them were written by section hikers or folks helping hikers, with only a few full thru-hiker contributions which made it jarring when reading on the trail.
Mostly because almost all of them were written by section hikers or folks helping hikers, with only a few full thru-hiker contributions which made it jarring when reading on the trail.
July 6, 2014
Lots of quick little short stories. Not surprisingly, there was an essay about the horrible bugs around Odell Lake. I could appreciate their pain, having endured it myself many times. One of several books on my PCT reading list this summer.
January 12, 2021
46 stories of those who have experienced the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon and Washington. The story tellers come from all walks of life and include Ursula Le Guin, William Sullivan, and Barry Lopez. One of my favorites was by Walkin' Jim Stoltz. Some are descriptive, others philosophical, often poignant. I've walked about 400 of these miles so the stories brought back many memories and "pictures in my head." Most of my miles were between Crater Lake and the Columbia Gorge, but I also was in Goat Rocks and the North Cascades.
July 18, 2020
About 18 months after reading the California version of this anthology, it was time to complete the PC. By reading about it, of course (actually doing it is approximately #1 on my bucket list).
The OR/WA volume more or less progresses in a northward pattern - seemingly the stories are more location-specific than the CA version. A little something for everybody - as is often the case in this format, it's somewhat subject to taste. And yes, the bug story was the highlight.
The OR/WA volume more or less progresses in a northward pattern - seemingly the stories are more location-specific than the CA version. A little something for everybody - as is often the case in this format, it's somewhat subject to taste. And yes, the bug story was the highlight.
November 21, 2019
The book combines the historical background that is the foundation of the PCT, personal accounts of hikers of different ages and time periods of the Oregon & Washington section of the PCT, geography, and climate. Excellent combination.
March 11, 2020
A lot of stories with different styles and perspectives so probably something that anyone can enjoy.
December 12, 2011
Copy received through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I am a pretty avid hiker (at least when the weather is nice). I have hiked extensively in Shenandoah National Park, including parts of the AT. I've also hiked some in the western part of the country, but never on the PCT. That will have to change.
This reader can be thought of as a trail in words. It's part of a two-volume series. The first book covers California, and the second volume, reviewed here, covers Oregon and Washington. You can thru-hike both volumes, section hike one or the other, or even do day hikes of an essay or two. I read the volume cover to cover for reviewing purposes, but I can see how reading a chapter at a time in preparation for hiking the particular section referenced might be just as satisfying, if not more so.
Every chapter here, whether it be in historical essay, memoir, short story, or humor, really speaks to the soul of the hiker. The writers here know what it's like to slog along a trail with a sodden pack, muscle through knee and foot pain to continue making mileage, or be suddenly stopped in their tracks by the pure euphoria that can overtake you when you come across an unexpectedly beautiful view. (Wow, that sounded a LOT less cheesy in my head.)
Some chapters explore the origins of the trail though the history of the U.S. westward expansion, or through allegory or legend (the recounting of a Coyote tale comes to mind). Although not directly referencing hiking, these pieces demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the region which will deepen the appreciation of a hiked area. It's not all reverence and nature, though! One of my favorite chapters, called "A Fine and Pleasant Misery: The Backpacker" pokes fun at the attitudes long-time hikers of the PCT in a particularly hilarious way.
It's December now, and is pretty cold where I live. I won't go on any long hikes for a few months. However, if I have books like this to see me though the winter, I think I can last until the spring. I might not be out on the trail myself, but the feeling of it is captured here. I wonder if there's a similar volume for the AT...
I am a pretty avid hiker (at least when the weather is nice). I have hiked extensively in Shenandoah National Park, including parts of the AT. I've also hiked some in the western part of the country, but never on the PCT. That will have to change.
This reader can be thought of as a trail in words. It's part of a two-volume series. The first book covers California, and the second volume, reviewed here, covers Oregon and Washington. You can thru-hike both volumes, section hike one or the other, or even do day hikes of an essay or two. I read the volume cover to cover for reviewing purposes, but I can see how reading a chapter at a time in preparation for hiking the particular section referenced might be just as satisfying, if not more so.
Every chapter here, whether it be in historical essay, memoir, short story, or humor, really speaks to the soul of the hiker. The writers here know what it's like to slog along a trail with a sodden pack, muscle through knee and foot pain to continue making mileage, or be suddenly stopped in their tracks by the pure euphoria that can overtake you when you come across an unexpectedly beautiful view. (Wow, that sounded a LOT less cheesy in my head.)
Some chapters explore the origins of the trail though the history of the U.S. westward expansion, or through allegory or legend (the recounting of a Coyote tale comes to mind). Although not directly referencing hiking, these pieces demonstrate a knowledge of the history of the region which will deepen the appreciation of a hiked area. It's not all reverence and nature, though! One of my favorite chapters, called "A Fine and Pleasant Misery: The Backpacker" pokes fun at the attitudes long-time hikers of the PCT in a particularly hilarious way.
It's December now, and is pretty cold where I live. I won't go on any long hikes for a few months. However, if I have books like this to see me though the winter, I think I can last until the spring. I might not be out on the trail myself, but the feeling of it is captured here. I wonder if there's a similar volume for the AT...
June 26, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway on the assumption that I would write a review.
This anthology is a collection of short stories and essays regarding the Oregon and Washington legs of the Pacific Crest Trail, and there is a companion volume covering the California leg. Most of the pieces are true stories of hiking the long trail, but there are a couple of Coyote tales and some historical notes, as well as an essay on Mount St. Helens (not on the trail but visible from it) by Ursula K. LeGuin.
The stories take up only a few pages apiece, which makes it excellent reading for times when you only have a short minute or two to spare. There's a strong unity of themes, and if you're bored by tales of the great outdoors, this may not be the book for you.
I'd highly recommend this book to hikers, outdoorsy types and armchair adventurers; it might also do well for young adult readers and students who are taking related courses.
For other anthology reviews, see http://www.skjam.com/tag/anthology/
This anthology is a collection of short stories and essays regarding the Oregon and Washington legs of the Pacific Crest Trail, and there is a companion volume covering the California leg. Most of the pieces are true stories of hiking the long trail, but there are a couple of Coyote tales and some historical notes, as well as an essay on Mount St. Helens (not on the trail but visible from it) by Ursula K. LeGuin.
The stories take up only a few pages apiece, which makes it excellent reading for times when you only have a short minute or two to spare. There's a strong unity of themes, and if you're bored by tales of the great outdoors, this may not be the book for you.
I'd highly recommend this book to hikers, outdoorsy types and armchair adventurers; it might also do well for young adult readers and students who are taking related courses.
For other anthology reviews, see http://www.skjam.com/tag/anthology/
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December 6, 2011I got this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways. While I haven't actually read the book, I gave it as a gift to someone I know who grew up in the area. She adored the book and said that it reminded her of her childhood and even inspired her to start hiking again, something that she hadn't been doing in a while.
December 29, 2011
Hikers will enjoy this book. The editors did a fine job of selecting tales which show the range of emotions a hiker goes through. How do you visit the Pacific Crest Trail:let us jog it, do it only as day hikes, stay out four days in a row in WA in the rain, construct the trail as you go, enjoy the starry nights, through hike it.
August 30, 2012
Great read! Inspires me to go out on the trail. Makes it more personal knowing a bit of history and warm, funny stories about PCT. Various stories ranging from Native American story about the Coyote, Wolves and Bears and how they created the stars, as well as the touching story of a man who completed his thru-hike in his father's memory.
January 26, 2013
This beautifully bound collection of essays offers nature, adventure , and history all surrounding the scenic Pacific Crest Trail. It is a must read for hikers, but also anyone who enjoys the history of the Pacific Northwest region. The variety and quality of writing selections is top-notch. Highly recommend this collection of essays.
February 17, 2012
This collection of stories has been put together masterfully. The accounts of the area and the folklore related to the trail is beautiful. There is something for everyone to take away from each store.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews