The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is a magnificent and unique voyage, spanning 2,650 miles of mountains, forests and desert through northern California, Oregon and Washington into Canada. 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 currently no U.S. Port of Entry there.
While hikers traveling north can legally cross the border by obtaining permission from the Canada Border Services Agency, those coming south into the United States face fines as high as $10,000 and a potential criminal penalty of up to one year in prison for crossing. This situation puts undue restrictions on hikers and recreationists, and could be simply rectified.
That’s why I led 20 members of Congress in asking U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske to institute a similar arrangement that exists at the National Forest Service Complex in Ely, Minn., where a seasonal border station is maintained.
Accessibility of our hiking trails is crucial to outdoor recreation, which adds $20 billion to Washington’s economy and makes living in the Pacific Northwest so special.
As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you to contact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what I’m doing by following me on social media. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085.
