The PCT Photo Contest began 33 years ago to fill the pages of the PCT Communicator magazine with beautiful images that document people’s authentic experiences on the trail. Since then, we’ve amassed a splendid collection of photos capturing the trail, the critters that inhabit it, the people who look after it, and, of course, the trail community. Over time, the contest has become a cherished tradition that we look forward to here at the PCTA.
This year, we received 1,294 submissions. Each one offering a glimpse of adventure, awe, triumph, and resilience, all captured in a single moment along the trail.
We’re especially grateful to Lee Terkelsen, who once again led the judging process with his trademark care and dedication. In addition to our two regular judges, the fantastic David Velasquez and Linda Woznicka, Lee rounded up some new talent this year: renowned photographer Jeremy Evans and multi-award-winning photographer Robbert Hanashiro. Jeremy’s portfolio boasts exemplary wildlife and landscape scenes; he is well known for his astrophotography of the night sky. If you are in Yosemite National Park this summer, stop by the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center to say hello; he will be substituting as the curator there. Robbert is recently retired as the senior staff photographer for USA Today. His most famous images range from current events and celebrities to major sporting events, including the Olympics, Super Bowls, and World Series.
Hours of review and candid consideration go into fairly reviewing each submission. We do not take that for granted in the slightest. Thank you to our exceptional team of volunteer judges for poring over these images and recognizing the unique story in each. We’re thrilled to share this year’s Pacific Crest Trail Photo Contest winners with you! A big thank-you to Osprey for their continued partnership and support of the contest, helping provide celebratory prizes for the three overall winners.
Without further ado…
First Place Overall Winner
1ST PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “Walking the Knife’s Edge” by Josh Sanders
From the photographer: We’d been treated to a spectacular sunset the night before at Ledge Camp in Goat Rocks Wilderness, but this morning was a little more flat, with overcast skies, softer light, and none of the drama of the previous day’s thunderstorms. Our first task of the day was to make our way up to the Old Snowy summit, a short and steep out-and-back detour with 360-degree views of the Cascades all around you. Just as you transition from Old Snowy onto the Knife’s Edge, there’s an outcropping of rock that looks out on Rainier. Natalie had walked on the slopes of Rainier as a kid with her family, and always dreamed of going back to climb it. I’m glad I was able to capture this image of her looking out at a place that holds a lot of meaning for her, and hope I can be there when she stands on the summit. Location: Knife’s Edge, Washington
Second Place Overall Winner
SECOND PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “Misty Morning” by Josias Martens
From the photographer: August 8th, 2025: A misty morning in the woods south of Snoqualmie. Location: Snoqualmie, Washington
Third Place Overall Winner
THIRD PLACE OVERALL WINNER: “Master of His Domain” by Ryan Barnes
From the photographer: A squirrel surveys his kingdom over Palm Springs and Cabazon. Location: Southern California
Category Winning Photos
To access the slideshows showcasing the winners, click the first photo in each category listed below. Once the slideshow opens, navigate through the images by clicking either side of a photo to move to the next or previous image. Enjoy!
Trail Majesty Category Winners
1st – “Pinchot Pass” by Nick Vincent
2nd – “Camp Under the Milky Way” by Wolfram Kluge
3rd – “A Cascade Farewell” by Alexander Ure
Honorable Mention – “Moonrise on Mt. Solomons” by Brice Byzer
Human Spirit Category Winners
1st – “A Helping Hand” by Kyle Tisdale
2nd – “Celebration at the Northern Terminus” by Julianna Tsao
3rd – “When Life Felt Like A Movie” by Josie Dix
Honorable Mention – “A Crossing” by Riley Riffel
Flora Category Winners
1st – “Proud Paintbrush” by Mindy King
2nd – “I Hope You Like Flowers” by Ulrich Arnold
3rd – “Rainy Days” by Andrea Banicevic
Honorable Mention – “Wild Blooms at Goat Rocks” by Michael Gil
Fauna Category Winners
1st – “Always Bring A Buddy” by Ashleigh Mouttet
2nd – “Posed to Strike” by Nick Kindred
3rd – “California Sister Butterfly” by Ines Thissen
Honorable Mention – “Western Tent Caterpillars” by Michael Weyrich
Equestrian Category Winners
1st – “Not Horsing Around in the Sierra” by John Meehan
2nd – “Rider Leading A Mule Train in Washington” by Jack Dorris
3rd – “Following A Narrow Path” by Josias Martens
Honorable Mention – “A Rest Break” by Rob Richie Trail Work
Trail Work Category Winners
1st – “I Saw A Tree” by John Meehan
2nd – “Tools in Transit” by Shawn Hoffman
3rd – “Many Hands Make Light Work” by Christine Beatty
Honorable Mention – “All in a Day’s Work” by Eric Tate
Thank you to all the participants this year! Your photos inspire us more than you know.
The post Congratulations to the 2026 Pacific Crest Trail Photo Contest Winners appeared first on Pacific Crest Trail Association.
