Trail Angel Support in Ashland, Oregon
Bringing a Little Trail Magic to the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern Oregon.
Every year, more than 750 Pacific Crest Trail hikers stay with us in Ashland at The Columbia Hotel, as they take a zero day and resupply before continuing on this life changing Mexico to Canada trail.
While our shuttle service (which is starting soon!) helps many hikers to and from the trail into Ashland, it only operates twice a day, and there are often hikers who need assistance outside those hours.
We're building a community of local Trail Angels who are willing to lend a hand when the need arises. Sometimes it's as simple as offering a ride between the trail and town. Other times, it might mean helping a hiker get to the grocery store, post office, or a place to stay. Even a small act of kindness can have a huge impact on someone who has walked hundreds, or even thousands, of miles.
What Is a Trail Angel?
Trail Angels are volunteers who help Pacific Crest Trail hikers through simple acts of kindness, often called "trail magic." Most commonly, they provide rides between the trail and town, but many also offer meals, a place to rest, access to showers or laundry, or simply a friendly conversation and local advice.
There are no official requirements to become a Trail Angel. They're everyday people who choose to make a hiker's journey a little easier and a lot more memorable.
The History of Trail Angels
The Trail Angel tradition dates back to the hiking communities that formed around the Appalachian Trail in the 1950s and 1960s. As long-distance hiking grew in popularity across the United States, the tradition spread west to the Pacific Crest Trail, where volunteers continue to support hikers today.
For many thru-hikers, these unexpected acts of generosity become some of the most meaningful memories of their journey.
Ashland Oregon Trail Angel Resources
The Columbia Hotel is continuously sourcing and vetting Trail Angels in Ashland. For the PCT2026 season we have a list of Trail Angels that we recommend to our PCT Hiker guests that will get them to and from the trail, with some only asking for a donation for gas. We have seen some issues this year with Trail Angels demanding $20 per ride down the mountain and have decided to refer other drivers instead. This is why we continuously look for Trail Angels to help while we wait for the shuttle to launch. Please reach out if you are staying with us so we can get you safely to and from Ashland.
Become a Trail Angel
Are you a Trail Angel, or want to become one? We are looking to build out community to support PCT Hikers in Ashland, Oregon.
If you'd like to help make Ashland one of the most welcoming stops on the Pacific Crest Trail, we'd love to have you join our Trail Angel network.
Simply share your contact information below, and we'll reach out only when a hiker needs assistance. There is no obligation to accept every request and you decide when and how you're able to help.
Thank you for helping bring a little trail magic to the Pacific Crest Trail in Ashland, Oregon!