How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
~Winnie the Pooh
Above Lost Lake to Cascade Locks
25.5 miles
As I was getting in my tent last night, Sadie, a Southbound hiker came up the trail and asked to pitch in the campsite. Of course I said, “Yes!” It was fun talking with another hiker, hearing about her trek through Washington and trading food and gear favorites. She is a pretty amazing lady and I am hoping she contacts me for assistance when she is passing through Tehachapi. It has been fun offering my info to south-bounders as I have been hiking north.
For my last day on trail, I planned an early start to catch the sunrise and have the time to enjoy the Eagle Creek PCT alternate that goes through the famous Tunnel Falls. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.
The last 25 miles of Oregon was mostly downhill in deep, green woods along Eagle Creek. Because this is a popular area outside of Portland, there were many day hikers. On top of that, the temps were in the 90’s, so it was the perfect day for the gorge. Watching all the hikers kept me very entertained all day.
At Tunnel Falls the trail is cut directly behind the falls. It is dramatic and not for those that are uncomfortable with heights.
The last few days have been hot and humid, so today I took the time to take a couple dips in the pools of the river. Cool and refreshing….
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River into Washington on the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks, Oregon. I have looked forward to the walk for a few years.
As I reached the bridge, wind picked up. As I crossed, the bridge swayed and cars whizzed by. It was more than I had expected. So guess what? I of course had to cross it again.
Tonight I am at Drop n’ Roll’s in Portland preparing for my Amtrak ride home. She has been the perfect trail angel and friend. Thank you Drop n’ Roll!
Readers, I want to thank you for your words and thoughts of support, positive vibes and encouragement along this summer’s journeys. I can’t express the amount of appreciation and gratitude I have for your comments and well wishes.
I am done with this particular leg of the PCT, but be sure I had lots of alone time hiking the last couple weeks to come up with a very long list of upcoming hikes.
Cheers to all of you and your summer.
One step at a time.
And all is good.
I loved your quote “One step at a time.
And all is good”.
That’s how I feel after just spending eight days with my crew in the Tuolumne Meadows/Glen Aulin area. God’s Country sure has that affect, all is good.
I did notice the PCT earrings and the two selfies where you had such a deep smile that on your face. Feeling like that is heaven. Glad you got your little piece.
Congrats on the big finish and WA will come another time, to which I know you will dream of till’ then. Go!Rockin’!Go!
So much thanks to you Warren. Sounds like your trip was equally as successful. So glad to hear that. The Tuolumne River cutting through the rocks in that area is simply spectacular and I remember the sunsets were colorful as well. Congratulations.
Yes, the sunsets were absolutely gorgeous. And the smoke from the nearby fires made them a bit better too.
I love your posts. They give me such joy whenever im struggling with life. I know one day i’ll be doing things like this too! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and dreams. I just love that perhaps I could be of little help to anyone!
During stressful times during the school year I hang on to these trail memories. Works.
Thank you for taking me along on your long distance hike and showing me that there is more to Oregon than just trees. It was beautiful. Your words and photos were an inspiration.
Janet you are spot on. I really thought Oregon was just trees also. Super surprise. I absolutely loved it. I even had thoughts that I could move there and leave my beloved Sierras. Gasp.
LOKI owes you an apology 🙂 When I was on Mt Rainier and descending through a cloud/fog from Camp Muir to Paradise I had an incident
with a couple of boulders. I won’t go into the details…Yes MR Safety was a tad careless…..Well the injury required a few stitches, bandages and PAIN KILLERS…GOOD PAIN KILLERS.(Percodan) I tried handling and controlling this severe discomfort by meditation..manning up…the mindset of a Navy Seal…it didn’t work. When I started my trek in Banff with a 40+lb pack it accelerated the discomfort..I didn’t dare take the meds while hiking but I did after I set up camp. There I spent my delusional time drooling and sending out emails and texts..often being quite” repetitive’ in one form or another. It wasn’t until I started reviewing my correspondence that I discovered the duplication. (I did sleep very well)
Sorry……ADVICE…dont take pain killers and text
LOKI aka brian
Good travels
Eagle Creek is a stunning stretch of trail; one of the highlights of the PCT………unofficially speaking 🙂
Congratulations on your hike!!!
Ah yes the unofficial…
Thank you for your ongoing sage advice. Pretty cool that it just gets passed along to the next hiker along the way. You rock.
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Wow? Congrats! I cant believe how fast you wizzed through oregon! And ended up on my
Favorite trail of all time. (i once lived in portland and am now just visiting). I fractured
Something in my foot upon arrival here and
Have had to switch from hiking plans to camping and swimming. So your blog was even more of vicarious wonder than usual as you traversed mostly places so familiar to me.
Still cant believe the speed! And gorgeous photos. Thanx for sharing
Happy homecoming!
Hi to Dan. Please email sometime
Db
Deebie brown,
Hello Deebie! You are definitely in beautiful country! I am so sorry about your injury. Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for following along. It always means so much when readers comment and love the photos. Hope the rest of summer goes well.
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Yeoowza, love this post! more nice weather to boot.
Hey thanks!!!! Ah the weather…yes. I do think I lost 5 pounds in sweat the last couple of days.
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Congrats Rockin’! Glad you enjoyed my state. 🙂 I just did a loop of the official PCT and then down Eagle Creek back to Cascade Locks the weekend before last. Love that trail.
-GoalTech
GoalTech, Your part of the country is indeed gorgeous! I really was also impressed with Portland. I think every other person is a hiker there. Glad your trips have been going well. Thanks for following along.
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A cool, lush, verdant ending. Wonder how green Washington will be?
Oh you just had to say it!!!! Another time. Another time. I have heard it is spectacular. Something to look forward to.
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Thanks for sharing your adventure across Oregon. I can’t believe how green it is compared to the high Sierra. You’ve added another hike to my must-do list. Have a safe trip home. I’m heading up to Cottonwood Lakes next week for a little golden trout and Mt. Langley adventure. What’s your next trip?
Now you are heading into my favorite parts of the Sierra. Those lakes are indeed low and bushes brown…but the granite, views, and sky make up for it.
Next trip? Well I would like to climb Mt. Russell this month and maybe a couple other peaks. Happy trip to you!
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CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Thank you!!!! This is such a great life.
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