The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a National Scenic Trail that stretches 2,658 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in Campo, California to Manning Park, British Columbia.
Along the way, it passes through three states--including Ryan's home state of Oregon, 24 National Forests, seven National Parks, three State Parks, 40 Wilderness Areas, and six of seven ecozones indigenous to North America before terminating in Canada.
In addition to the relentlessness of trail visionaries and enthusiasts from years passed, the PCT is a product of the National Trail Systems Act that Congress passed in 1968 and was one of two trails to be initially designated a National Scenic Trail, with the Appalachian Trail being the other. Today, there are eight National Scenic Trails in existence. Although a continuous work in progress, the PCT was considered completed in 1993 and dedicated the same year. 
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is the first place to go for any information pertaining to the PCT. In addition to providing a wealth of information about the history and legacy of the PCT, the PCTA leads the effort to protect and maintain the trail and can be found on the web at www.pcta.org.