Tag: PCT

Day 146: August 26th

Mile 2140.7 (Wahtum Lake) to Mile 2155 (Cascade Locks)

From Wahtum Lake I continued on the official Pacific Crest Trail to the small town of Cascade Locks. Few PCT hikers actually take this official route as most hike the very senic and amazing Eagle Creek alternate trail into town. I saw only one southbound section hiker and otherwise had the trail all to my self.

The official PCT is a pleasant enough hike. As one might expect it stays much higher along forested ridgetops most of the way before dropping 4,000 feet to Cascade Locks in just a fee miles. The Eagle Creek alternate, while not crest-like, is a truly amazing trail and is highly recommend.

Tonight I am camped with Deb at the Marine RV park just a few steps across the Bridge of the Gods from the State of Washington.

Mileage: 14.3

Day 145: August 25th

Mile 2119.3 to Mile 2140.7 (Wahtum Lake)

Today’s hike continued around Mount Hood and then along something called the Bull Run Watershed which supplies the water for the City of Portland. Pretty hiking along forested ridgetops.

My shin is starting to feel much better, probably 75-80% of normal now.

Most Pacific Crest Trail hikers take the senic Eagle Creek alternate trail into Cascade Locks but I hiked the official PCT as far as Wahtum Lake today.

Mileage: 21.4

Day 144: August 24th

Mile 2102.5 (Barlow Pass) to Mile 2119.3

After hiking about five miles hiking I arrived at the historic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood. It’s a pretty cool place and was the location where much of the movie “The Shining” was filmed.

Pacific Crest Trail hikers are drawn to the lodge by the excellent all you can eat buffet. I arrived as the breakfast buffet was ending, so decided to wait in the lobby an hour for the lunch buffet at 11:30.

The lobby has a historic feel and was bustling with activity. A dozen or so hikers, lodge guests, and a man giving tours who kept standing on various pieces of furniture to demonstrate how well constructed they were. The food was excellent too.

The PCT was a busy place as I hiked north from Timberline Lodge. Day hikers, weekend backpackers, and a Boy Scout troop. It’s no wonder with the beautiful views of Mount Hood, forests, and waterfalls.

Mileage: 16.8

Day 143: August 23rd

Mile 2082.1 to Mile 2102.5 (Barlow Pass)

It felt good to be back on the Pacific Crest Trail after two days resting in the motel. Pleasant weather and my leg felt good. The hike was mostly through dense forests. Passed Timothy Lake, the very interesting Little Crater Lake and the 2,100 mile mark. My leg got a little tired late in the day. Met Deb at Barlow Pass.

Mileage: 20.4

Day 141-142: August 21-22nd
Double Zero

I took a double zero to allow my leg to rest and heal. We got a motel and I spent most of my time with the leg elevated. The leg was feeling better by the end of the second day.

Day 140: August 20th

Mile 2073.7 (Warm Springs River) to Mile 2082.1

I only hiked eight miles today and met Deb. I decided to take two days off to rest and hopefully let my leg heal. I will be back on the Pacific Crest Trail soon.

Mileage: 8.4