Help Lion Shuttle PCT Hikers Safely

Fund a 2021+ Toyota Highlander AWD + Gear for The Lion’s Den in Mazama, WA

I’m a first-time thru-hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail, and somehow I became the very first guest at The Lion’s Den in 2025. On June 15, I joined the first carload heading up to Harts Pass. Four of us crammed into Lion’s battle-worn two-door Nissan Altima, backpacks stacked like a sideways game of Tetris.

The road up was rough, steep, narrow, and chewed up by rockfall. Multiple times, Lion had to stop, get out, and move boulders the size of her head from her car’s path. She did this with quiet grit while still recovering from shoulder surgery. No complaints. Just action. come to find out, those boulders do lodge themselves in her undercarriage .

When we finally reached the trailhead, the entire car agreed. This woman is a trail angel in every sense, and her car is on borrowed time.

We couldn’t believe no one had started a GoFundMe for her. So we’re doing it now.

Why Lion Needs a Trail-Ready Shuttle

Mary, also known as Lion, is the heart of The Lion’s Den in Mazama, Washington. Every season she gives rides to and from Harts Pass and Rainy Pass without asking for anything in return. She provides shelter, food, and trail rescue, all with a car that is breaking down.

If you’ve ever visited The Lion’s Den, you’ve seen the yearly banners filled with signatures from grateful hikers. Those banners tell the story. On average, Mary serves over 1,600 hikers every year, offering help, shelter, and rides to some of the most remote places on the PCT.

Even more inspiring, Lion beat cancer just last year and came back strong to help hikers. She has proven her strength and compassion time and again. But now she needs a reliable friend on wheels to match.

What Your Support Will Fund

• Used Toyota Highlander AWD (2021–2022) – $35,000 to $42,000

• Roof Rack + Cargo Basket – $600 to $1,200

• All-Terrain Tires (4) – $600 to $1,200

• Trunk Liner, Floor Mats, Covers – $200 to $400

• Seat Organizers + First Aid Kit – $50 to $100

• Emergency Kit (spare tire, shovel, lights) – $50 to $150

• Tow Hitch + Recovery Kit – $300 to $500

• Portable Air Compressor + Traction Boards – $400 to $700

• Registration, Insurance, Fuel – $1,500

Fundraising Goal: $41,000

Stretch Goal: $43,000 to also fund a portable starlink.

Why It Matters

Harts Pass is breathtaking and dangerous. The road is narrow, rugged, and vulnerable to falling debris. If the car fails, hikers can be stranded in remote terrain.

When the trail gets tough, Lion shows up. She does it quietly, selflessly, and with strength that inspires. Now we can help her with gear that matches her grit.

How You Can Help

Let’s trade her Nissan’s bruises for a dependable AWD Toyota Highlander that can handle anything the trail throws at it.

If you’ve ever:

• Stayed at The Lion’s Den

• Needed a shuttle to Harts or Rainy Pass

• Been helped by Lion’s endless kindness

Or if you just want to support a cancer survivor and trail angel, this is your moment.

Donate what you can.

Share this campaign in your hiking groups.

Use tags like #LionNeedsWheels #PCT2025 #LionsDenMazama #TrailAngelSupport

Let’s get Lion the vehicle she needs.

Let’s keep the trail magic alive.

This isn’t just a fundraiser.

It’s a thank you card with wheels.

-Will, Dan, Slowcahontas, and Alex aka King Pine Needle aka Smartacus (and everyone else who shares the same sentiment).