Kayla "Cappy"

2/13/26:
We could not be more thrilled than to have our inaugural grant go to Kayla. Kayla is 32 years old and a resident of Seattle, Washington and has a deep connection to the outdoors. Since beginning her backpacking journey in 2019, she has discovered both the beauty and the hardship of the wilderness, finding a path toward healing, growth, and self-understanding along the way.

Kayla is a seasonal guide, leading hikers through Washington’s spectacular national parks, including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. She is also a photographer and a yoga teacher, finding ways to explore the world and bring people together - and in her free time, she heads to the backcountry to recharge.

Her journey to the Pacific Crest Trail is rooted in more than adventure. She is creating a blueprint for a life she never had or saw growing up - a life shaped with intention, vulnerability, and courage. Grief has carved a profound path through her life, and she has learned to find strength and growth in difficult places. The wilderness has taught her similar lessons: it offers beauty and refuge, but also challenge and discomfort.

Receiving thePCT Grant allows her to pursue the long-held dream that almost felt out of reach: thru-hiking from Mexico to Canada. She is motivated not only by the trail's challenge but also by the personal growth, storytelling, and community connection it fosters. This grant makes the journey possible, and she reports that she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent Washington’s hiking community on the trail.

We wish you safety and success, Kayla!

2026 Recipient & Trail Notes