Trail Journal
Here, find my complete trail journal of my 2025 PCT thru-hike.
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The Final Day: finishing my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike
Harts Pass to Canada (Northern Terminus). Mile 2,634 – 2,656. Day 129. I woke up early on my final day on the PCT – something I haven’t done often on this trip – at my beautiful campsite atop a small… Continue reading
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North Cascades National Park on the PCT: the beginning of the end
~Steheikin to ~Harts Pass. Mile 2,570 – 2,634. Days 126 – 128. And so begins the grand finale of the Pacific Crest Trail. Truly some of the best is saved for last regarding scenery and terrain. The section begins near… Continue reading
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Northern Washington: battling blowdowns and wildfire smoke
Stevens Pass (Leavenworth) to ~Steheikin. Miles 2,467 – 2,570. Days 121 – 125. After Stevens Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail begins a particularly remote ~100-mile stretch with no road crossings. In this section, the PCT goes through the Glacier Peak… Continue reading
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Adventures in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Leavenworth
Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass (Leavenworth). Miles 2,396 – 2,467. Days 116 – 120. The Pacific Crest Trail climbs significantly after Snoqualmie Pass into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Hikers are rewarded for their labor when they emerge into a… Continue reading
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Hiking through Mt Rainer National Park on the PCT
~White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass. 2,308 – 2,396. Days 112 – 115. Between White Pass and Snoqualmie Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail passes through Mt Rainier National Park. The trail also crosses a large burn area from a 1988 fire.… Continue reading
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Goat Rocks Wilderness: following ridges and foraging berries
~Trout Lake to ~White Pass. Miles 2,239 – 2,308. Days 109 – 111. After Trout Lake, the Pacific Crest Trail passes near Mt Adams, a large volcano with permanent snowfields. Hikers also get their first views of Mt Rainier in… Continue reading
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The final state: walking into Washington
Cascade Locks to ~Trout Lake. Miles 2,150 – 2,239. Days 105 – 108. At Cascade Locks, the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River on the Bridge of the Gods and enters Washington, the final state on the PCT. From… Continue reading
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Chasing waterfalls and PCT Days festival
~Timberline Lodge to Cascade Locks. Miles 2,099 – 2,150. Days 101 – 104. After Mount Hood, the Pacific Crest Trail drops dramatically. The trail reaches its lowest point at Cascade Locks, a mere 140 feet above sea level. Here, the… Continue reading
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Just walking around volcanoes and day 100 on trail!
Mackenzie Pass (Sisters) to ~Timberline Lodge. Miles 1,985 – 2,099. Days 96 – 100. Between MacKenzie Pass and Timberline Lodge, the Pacific Crest Trail skirts around the edges of several large volcanoes. First, Three Finger Jack, then Mount Jefferson, and… Continue reading
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Loving Oregon: butterflies, wildflowers, lakes, snow, lava fields, and more!
~Crater Lake to MacKenzie Pass (Sisters). Miles 1,841 – 1,985. Days 90 – 95. After Crater Lake, PCT hikers find themselves in some of the flattest portions of the PCT so far, with minimal daily climbing and gradual ascents and… Continue reading
Adventures with Val 