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Date Permissions Signed

5-20-2020

Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department or Program Affiliation

Environmental Studies

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Environmental Studies

First Advisor

Laninga, Tamara Jean

Second Advisor

Rossiter, David A.

Third Advisor

Vega, Sara Strickhouser, 1987-

Abstract

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,650-mile long trail that connects Mexico and Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. For thru-hikers, water is a priority on trail that requires prior research and daily planning. Water resources fluctuate between seasons and years, requiring thru-hikers to adapt to variable resources. This case study examines how thru-hikers prepare for and experience water resources on the Pacific Crest Trail. Relying on thru-hiker interviews, online survey data, and analysis of water reports, this research uses a mixed-methods approach to examine water resource accessibility and variability on the PCT. Using a variation of Affordance Theory, informed by the Nature-Based Recreation Experiences Model and the Ecological Perception Model, this case study analyzes factors of perception, experiences, recreation, and the environment. With the increased popularity of the Pacific Crest Trail and thru-hiking in general, the stress put on trails and water resources are also growing. Findings from this research can inform management of trail use and maintenance. This study is reported in two manuscripts. The first study examines overall water resource variability on the PCT in 2019. The second study evaluates alternate water sources and water caches on trail to provide recommendations for where alternate sources should be placed.

Type

Text

Keywords

recreation, water resources, thru-hiking, water caches, environmental perception, mixed-methods, water resource management

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1155440323

Subject – LCSH

Water-supply--Pacific Crest Trail; Hiking--Pacific Crest Trail

Geographic Coverage

Pacific Crest Trail--Description and travel

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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