Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske requesting he allow hikers to cross into the United States from Canada along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT).

“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,” DelBene wrote. “We ask for your swift attention in rectifying this obstacle to fully enjoying one of our country’s most treasured scenic trails.”

The PCT spans 2,650 miles of mountains, forests and desert through northern California, Oregon and Washington into Canada. Several hundred hikers and equestrians attempt to complete the entire trail from south to north, while thousands of recreationists hike or ride on sections of the trail each year.

Hikers seeking to start the PCT from the Canadian side of the border are unable to legally do so because there is not currently a U.S. Port of Entry. Hikers have been warned of fines as high as $10,000 and a potential criminal penalty of up to one year in prison for crossing. However, when traveling north into Canada, hikers can legally cross the border by obtaining an approved Application for Entry into Canada via the PCT from the Canada Border Services Agency.

DelBene’s letter, which was signed by 20 House members, asked for a similar arrangement so that hikers can also start the PCT from the north. U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintain a seasonal border station in the National Forest Service Complex in Ely, Minn., creating a precedent for such an ask.

Full text of the letter can be read HERE.

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