A roundup of PCT thru-hikers who completed their journeys in 2026 despite wildfire closures that changed many traditional finishes. Photos and short notes from finishers show how hikers adapted and celebrated.
Wildfires closed the PCT’s northern terminus in July 2026, forcing many hikers to change how and where they finished.
The Trek invites newly finished PCT hikers to submit photos for future features.
# Overview
# How the Ptarmigan Fire changed finishes
When the northern terminus remained closed, several common responses appeared among finishers. Some hikers stopped short of the official monument and celebrated alternative endpoints. Others paused and returned when the border reopened in mid-September. A few completed symbolic or personal finales rather than reaching the physical monument on their original schedule.
# Selected finishers and notes
This post highlights individual finishers, their finish dates, and short quotes or captions they submitted.
# What this means for thru-hiking culture in 2026
# How to be featured
The Trek asked new PCT finishers to submit a photo and short details so they can be included in future posts. If you finished the PCT in 2026 and want to be featured, the site provides a submission form to share your photo, finish date, and caption.
# Author note
The piece was written by Anna McKinney Smith and published on September 28, 2026. It focuses on celebrating finishers and inviting additional submissions for future compilations.
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