I covered a large segment this week, about 150 miles. And there was so much to see– Columbia River gorge, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, and Goat Rocks. Goat Rocks is probably my favorite day on trail so far, as its an amazing section of trail, the weather was clear, and I met many friendly local hikers, dogs, horses, and even saw some goats!
Day 124: (August 22nd)
We hiked out of Oregon and into Washington, over the iconic “Bridge of the Gods”. Its probably the most dangerous section of the entire PCT– its an old narrow bridge, and large trucks pass very close!
Walking across Bridge of the GodsWashington!The requisite border picThe Columbia river gorge has some cool ferns. I wonder what their name is?
Day 125: (August 23rd)
It's alot less smokey today!Trail magic!! Who knew oreos and gatorades could be so exciting.
Day 126: (August 24th)
Lake?!? Maybe this used to be a pond (at best), but its completely dry now. PaNW needs rain!Days are getting colderOnly 450 miles to go!They say bigfoot lives around hereThe PCTA is using child labor to make their signs now?Mt Adams is getting closer
Day 127: (August 25th)
Mt Adams. Those glaciers are noticeably smaller...Rainier in the distance. Highest peak in the Cascades, 14,411ftBecause Mom likes pictures of alpine wildflowers.That's the milkiest creek I've ever seen.My favorite spring on the entire PCT. Ice cold water flows right out of a pile of lava rocks!
Day 128: (August 26th)
Smokey day today. This is 10am, not sunrise!Goat rocks!Yup, its a ridgewalkCispus creek & waterfallsCairns! The small one is uniqueA snowfield?!? Well that's unexpectedIts only dangerous if you fall over the edge. Probably 3000ftWe are starting the "Knife edge" traverse of goat rocksThe ridge gets kinda narrow in a few spots. Not sure how I would pass a sobo hiker here...Now THAT is a nice-looking bergschrund!My zoom sucks, those specks on the ridge are goats.Horses! They are riding the trail south to Mt Adams. Even the Knife Edge
Day 129: (August 27th)
The act of posting a sign for these springs, makes the name kinda inaccurate!Rainier is lookin' fine!I'm torn...hike some bonus miles for a swim, or straight to town for ice cream??I can see the future...hiking across a ridge!Well this is a new one.Yup.Time for fried food & ice cream!
I spent the afternoon at White’s Pass, getting food, washing up, and charging my gear. After some procrastination, I got back on the trail at 6pm. Only 4 days to Snoqualmie Pass, and a week to Stevens Pass…I’m running out of trail!
-Recon
Very nice!