Days 105 – 118: 1912 – 2150 / End of Oregon
Day 105: Bingham Lakes (18.9 Miles)
We started hiking at 9.30am. We were tired. Haven’t done a zero since Ashland.
We took alternate route to cut 10 miles and some elevation to Shelter Cove. We will reach it tomorrow, 15 miles instead of 25.
I am very tired and will go to bed now (8:44pm)
Stats
Distance: 18.9 miles
Steps: 39.799
Ascent: 2124 ft
Descent: 2621 ft
Day 106: Shelter Cove & Lower Rosary Lake mile 1912.2 (21.94)
Breakfast at 7.30am by a beautiful lake. It’s completely quiet except for birds and the noises we make.
Granola and trail mix and coffee. 15 miles to Shelter Cove Resort where we can shower and eat a burger.
We haven’t had a day off in a while so we’re both feeling tired. Won’t have a bed for another 5 days till we reach the city of Bend.
We hiked through forest all day and it rained a little bit for the first time in a long time.
We made it by 2.30pm and had a burger – the burger was really good.
We took a shower and bought two dinners for trail and some snacks.
We ran into Fruit Loop and she told us Roadrash skipped to Washington. She also said Kate is ahead of us. We must catch her haha we thought she’s behind us!
We hiked out until it was almost dark and camped at Lower Rosary lake.
Miles hiked: 21.94
Steps: 49.985
Ascent: 2247 ft
Descent: 2020 ft
Day 107: 1912.2 Lower Rosary Lake to Jezebel Lake 1935.8 (longest day yet: 24.06 miles)
We left at 8.15am and hiked 7 miles to water. We continued hiking through beautiful forests.
We saw carpenter ants eating through a dead tree and throwing out sawdust (took a video) in a very efficient way. Nature is showing us fascinating things every single day!
Had lunch on some rocks – after finishing our “climb” for today. We have to ration lunch food a bit because we have a lot of snacks but only 6 tortillas and 5 chicken packets for 3 days – we would need 12 tortillas and 12 chicken packets. We have trail mix, and beef jerky to supplement with so it ll be fine.
Just as we were talking about rationing food, these beautiful colorful signs started showing up every 10 m. We thought we were hallucinating but it was real! trail Magic!!
Stats:
Miles hiked: 24.06
Ascent: 2929 ft
Descent: 2834 ft
Day 108: 1955.5 Elk Lake Resort (22.28 miles)
Alarm went off at 6am, we hiked out at 7.11am. I actually left without iceman for the first time because I was ready to go and the moskitos were so bad. We met at the next water.
It was hard today and we both felt sluggish. Time and miles weren’t passing. We talked a lot and eventually it started raining really hard and we got totally wet. But it was so much fun!! We jumped in the puddles and walked right through them, with water up to our ankles as the trail turned into a river. A kid again at last! We became a trail maintenance crew and wherever pine needles and other debris clogged up the flow of water we’d use both of our poles, dug them into the ground forcefully and destroyed the dams to build little canals for the water to flow off trail.
We did this as many times as necessary; until the water gained momentum and carried the remaining debris off trail. Sometimes raging rivers would form as the huge and deep puddles on trail were finally liberated to flow off trail down the hill. This activity slowed us down immensely but we didn’t care, it took a few hours, we were having the best time. Iceman was in front of me and kept looking back, shaking his head and laughing but eventually he joined in and we broke down dams together.
We got to Elk lake Resort around 5pm and everything hurt. We haven’t had a zero since Ashland- 10 days or so? We’re looking forward to reaching Bend in 1.5 days – 29 miles.
We had a good pizza there and some drinks and got back on trail – 1.8 miles back to the PCT.
We found camp just when the sun was setting at 7.57pm. Right next to the trail. But for free (not 20$/person like at Elk Lake Resort) and not 1.8 miles from trail but on trail! Yay!
21:15pm – exhausted but happy
Miles hiked: 22.25 miles
Steps: 46.523
Ascent: 2063 ft
Descent: 2683 ft
Day 109: Minnie Scott Spring 1977.7 (22.4 miles)
Left at 9.15am – took it slow. We hiked through beautiful forests and met “Grey Salamandar” – a section hiker – a few times who shared his snacks with us.
We had late lunch at 13.30 and after that hiked along the Three Sisters the rest of the day. It was rough on the feet – lots of volcanic rocks but really beautiful. We hiked into the evening and had the most amazing sunset.
Miles hiked: 22.4
Steps: 47.496
Ascent: 4014 ft
Descent: 2786 ft
Day 110: 1985.3 Bend! (7.5 miles)
Got up at 6am, left at 7am. It was really smoky. We hiked 7.5 miles through beautiful volcanic rocks and got to McKenzie Pass/Dee Wright Observatory at 11.00am.
A nice lady called Katie gave us a ride to Sisters and en route offered to bring us all the way to Bend.
We got to the hotel at 1pm. Iceman’s parents had booked a really nice hotel for us so we were in for a treat: right in downtown with a hot tub and pool
We took a shower and went to the post office and wallmart, to resupply for Washington, we bought 4 weeks of food so filled both our empty backpacks with food.
Day 111: Zero in Bend!
We sent our packages and then met Kate for lunch! it was so good catching up with her. We hadn’t seen her since Kennedy Meadows South as well, over 1200 miles ago but we kept in touch and almost saw each other almost, like in Ashland when she hitched a ride to the hotel with the lady that dropped us of at trail 5 min before.
Day 112: 2012.5 27 Miles out of Bend & 2000 miles marker (longest day yet)
We got up at 7am, packed and had breakfast at the hotel. We arranged a ride to McKenzie pass with trail angels Angelique and Adrian at 10.15 from Thump coffee downtown Bend. Kate met us there. We dropped her at Sisters where she planned to hitch a ride to Santiam pass, 17 miles up trail.
We got to the trailhead around 11.00 and there was trail Magic by Tracy and Caroline. We had a soda and a quick chat and hiked off, 11.30ish.
We hiked through burn areas and beautiful scenery and felt strong. Our goal was to hike 30 miles but with such a late start that meant hiking until 11.00pm. We had a warm lunch at the Big Lake Youth Camp, which has a great PCT building with an electric cattle, and I made 4 tortillas with cheese and pepperoni for dinner.
Shortly after leaving BLYC, we passed the 2000 mile marker. Wohoooo
We hiked till it was dark and some more. We ate the tortillas while hiking around 9.00pm and stopped hiking at a lake around 10.30pm at mile 2012.5.
Stats
Miles hiked: 27.01
Steps: 57.945 phew
Ascent: 3812 ft (lots of elevation for such a long day)
Descent: 3667 ft
Day 113: Mile 2031.7 (19.38)
We left at 8.15am and hiked through beautiful sceneries.
Got to Shae Lake at 14.45 with Great views of Mt Jefferson. It’s a beautiful pointy mountain, listening to Player of Games, a sci fi book.
We got to camp at 6.30pm, a bit early, as all campsites the next 10 miles are in dead fall zones, so we decided to camp here. Because we were also tired from the previous 27-mile day.
Stats
Miles hiked: 19.38
Steps: 40.333
Ascent: 2785 ft
Descent: 3369 ft
Day 114: 2061.4 First 30 mile day (29.81)
We hiked through Mt Jefferson Wilderness area which is really beautiful – I love it. Since it was a long weekend, there were many day hikers and even hunters here
Camped on top of hill, got there when it was dark.
Miles hiked: 29.81
Steps: 60.864
Ascent: 4468 ft
Descent: 4363 ft
Day 115: 2089.7 Frog Lake (29.65 miles)
Left at 6.42am. We hiked 15 miles before 1pm. Good to get half the days miles out of the way before lunch.
A lovely lady at the horse camp gave us 2 apples and three bananas – fresh fruit on trail is always a highlight since we’re eating only dehydrated or processed foods.
Second day doing 30 miles. Saw Mount Hood for the first time. Beautiful! Since we needed water, we had to camp at a campground. We got there in the dark. Price is 26$ per site. Wowsy! Some section hikers offered us to stay at their site for free which was really nice but we prefer to camp away from other hikers to get a good night of sleep. We didn’t pay.
Had dinner with “Meat Brick”, a nice guy from Olympia, WA we’ve been running into the last few days.
My feet really hurt today.
Excited for the iconic Timberline Lodge tomorrow.
29.65 Miles hiked
61.375 steps
Ascent 2845 ft
Day 116: 2117.3 Lolo pass (29 miles)
Left at 6.30am today. Got to Timberline Lodge at 10.45, just to learn the famous Buffett is closed from 11-12. We waited an hour to get the lunch buffet and it was well worth the wait.
Got to camp at 21.00, very tired. It was dark.
Did 28.97 miles
65242 steps
Ascent 5673 ft
Descent 6138 ft
Loooong steeeeeeep day. not sure how long I can keep this mileage up! But we have to get to Canada!! Ahh!!
Day 117: Tunnel Falls / Cascade Locks / End of Oregon 2150 (27.3 miles)
Alarm at 5, woke up very tired, didn’t sleep well. Since we dry camped, we packed up and left at 6.30am without breakfast. Hiked 0.4 miles to the next water, filtered 4l and had breakfast there.
Took Eagle Creek alternate route to see Tunnel Falls. It was extremely steep at the top but it was worth it – we hiked behind a waterfall. Next to the trail a steep cliff – if you slip and fall it would surely be the end.
Made it to Cascade Locks around 6.30 and went straight to Whiskey Flats Tavern pub to get dinner, even though we usually like to shower and change first due to how filthy we are after 6h on trail. Kate had made it to Cascade Earlier that day and met us for dinner. Yay!!
Miles hiked: 26.44
Steps: 55001
Ascent: 2420 ft
Descent: 5716 ft (yup, we felt this)
Cascade Locks is the lowest point on the PCT with 120 ft of elevation. This also means we gotta climb back up after crossing the infamous Bridge of the Gods and crossing into Washington state.
Day 118: Zero in Cascade Locks
We slept in, which is 7am nowadays and met Kate for breakfast at the wonderful Bridgeside cafe, overlooking the iconic Bridge of the Gods, the border to Washington State. We were planning to hike it today but decided to take a zero as we felt so beat. Our bodies needed a rest after 5 dates of 30 miles a day.
After breakfast, we went to the room to relax and fix some gear. We got a burger and milk shake for lunch across the street at Eastwind Drive in
Thanks for stopping by and happy trails,
Disco
- Days 105 – 118: 1912 – 2150 / End of Oregon
- Days 103 & 104 (1849.3 – 1867.3)
- Day 102: Crater Lake 1824.6 then Rim Trail
- Day 101: Mile 1812.4 (21.66 miles)
- Day 100: Deer Lake mile 1791.9 (18 miles)
Days 103 & 104 (1849.3 – 1867.3)
Day 103: Crater Lake Sunrise Breakfast, 2 months anniversary & Diamond Lake Resort (1849.3)
We got up at 5:35 a.m. and packed up. At 6:05 a.m we set off for the Crater Lake Rim Trail to catch the sunrise. We made coffee and ate granola with dried fruit overlooking the sunrise over Crater Lake which was incredibly beautiful. We are celebrating our 2-months anniversary, what better way than a sunrise breakfast in nature and a hike? ☺️
Afterwards, we hiked 8km along the Rim Trail, enjoying the views of Crater Lake. On the way, some lovely guys gifted us 2 cans of Coke and offered a yar of peanut Butter which we gratefully declined (way too heavy – we’re ultralight 🤣 (inside joke, we are not ultralight at all, we pack out beer and whiskey sometimes – many hikers take ultra light way too far and leave their tent or backpack at home, so we joke about it.)
Then we hiked another 8 km through a very flat forest, and reached Highway 138. From here we hitched 15 minutes to Diamond Lake Resort, which is a less common spot for PCT hikers to stop because there are no supply stores close by. We chose to stop here to celebrate our 2 months anniversary. A lovely couple in their awesome RV picked us up and gave us a ride even though they were going the other way. Turns out they were visiting Crater Lake to celebrate their 3 year anniversary. 🥰
We got to Diamond Lake and instantly loved the “rustic” vibe. It’s described as antique or something on FarOut, turns out it’s just a little run down and could use some love. But that didn’t smaller the awesome 70s vibe – the marina and lake access from the open air restaurant porch is one of a kind and we loved watching all the families relaxing and hanging out which looked like a scene from the 70s.
We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed American classics – roast beef and chicken pot pie with salad.
Day 104: Maidu Lake 1867.5 3000km!! Marker
I woke up at 7ish and went to Diamond Lake to have a coffee and stretch. When I got back to the room, Iceman was up. I showered, we packed up and went to breakfast. I had scrambled eggs with toast and hashbrowns, nothing special but not bad.
After getting a ride at 9.45am with Elaine back to the trailhead, we hiked 0.57 Miles and got the most incredible trail magic. Barbara and Roy, with dog Clover, had brought a pickup truck with at least 6 ice chests full of cold drinks and food, a bbq, built a shower and bucket laundry and set up chairs in the middle of the forest. Everything a thru-hiker needs. Their son “Triple Thread” is hiking the PCT and told them the things most important: shower, laundry, food and his parents delivered. They are meeting him there on trail for a few days and bright large amounts of food for other hikers too. What a shame we ate. Roy made double cheeseburgers for everyone but I was too full to eat from breakfast. Meh! I had two sodas, a banana for potassium and grapes and plums from their garden.
The kindness of trail angels does not cease to amaze me. It’s not just the money, surely hundreds of dollars for food and drink but the energy, time and love that goes into preparing, building and hosting. Just incredible. These experiences not only make our day but also restore my faith in humanity. People are good, this trail has proven that over and over again.
We got vortexed into trail magic and didn’t really start our day till 11.20am or so. We had a cruisy 8mile hike to the next water, a beautiful creek where we had a late lunch, at 2.30pm.
Another 11 miles to the next water, cruisy again, mostly forest and some nice views around Mt Thiesen.
We passed the highest point on the PCT in Oregon and Washington – it’s downhill from here haha.
There are silver markers on the trees and people have been writing fun sayings on them – and Iceman marked a few of them with our names.
The next water is either 16 miles away which would’ve meant arriving in the dark after 9pm or taking 1mile off trail to Maidu lake so we did the latter. We still didn’t arrive until 7.30pm but managed to do 19 miles. And the lake is super beautiful! We got here just in time.
To get to Canada by the 25th of September we would have to do 23miles on average every single day the next 35 days. Today we did 19 Miles so we are currently 4 Miles short actually 5 Miles (because of 1 mile blue blaze).
Stats:
Distance: 19.42 miles
Steps: 44.427
Ascent: 2370 ft
Descent: 2349 ft
Highlight: 3000km!! mark & highest point on PCT of OR & WA
Thanks for reading,
Happy trails!
Disco
- Days 105 – 118: 1912 – 2150 / End of Oregon
- Days 103 & 104 (1849.3 – 1867.3)
- Day 102: Crater Lake 1824.6 then Rim Trail
- Day 101: Mile 1812.4 (21.66 miles)
- Day 100: Deer Lake mile 1791.9 (18 miles)
Day 102: Crater Lake 1824.6 then Rim Trail
Woke up at 5.38am and started hiking at 7.15am.
Slept on my mattress all the way inflated and it was comfortable!! Maybe that’s why my back has been hurting? Cause I’ve been only inflating it half way?!
Heard elk roars all night which was cool but we didn’t see any.
We hitched into mazama village and got 3 boxes, one huge one from Iceman’s sister, Christina, and two I sent. Christina‘s box had so much good food in it! And the best part were drawings and letters Iceman’s nieces draw and wrote. 🥰 We unpacked it and packed it in our packs which got very heavy and then went inside Annie Creek Restaurant to eat a pizza and fish and chips. They brought chicken strips instead so we informed them about their mistake and then they brought fish and chips too so – we had lots of food and packed out 3 big slices of pizza. Hitched back to the PCT and now stoked to see Crater Lake in 1.5 miles!!
Steps: 42.869
Miles: 18.05
Ascent: 3211 ft
Descent: 2522 ft
Thanks for reading and happy trails,
Disco
Day 101: Mile 1812.4 (21.66 miles)
Woke up at 6am and since I fell asleep at 8.30pm the night before, I felt well rested. Not really loving my air mattress. We had breakfast and two coffees in the tent and enjoyed the beautiful Deer Lake with the lake mist, and left at 8am.
It’s been a beautiful morning with nice views. I had service on top of a hill to call my mom. Good news from home, so I feel good. But generally just feel strong today, because we had 1.5 dinners last night. I think I haven’t been eating enough calories so we gotta change that.
Now at water and drying the tent, it’s been wet from condensation.
Also talked to Lisa, Theo, my brother and Tati. Feels good!
It’s sunny again and my solar panel is charging my watch and power bank. The watch charges so fast on the solar panel it’s crazy.
We hiked all day till around 7pm and then found a lovely campsite and had a nice sunset.
Thanks for reading and happy trails!
Disco
Day 100: Deer Lake mile 1791.9 (18 miles)
We didn’t start till 10am this morning.
We mostly hiked through forest and had some nice views of a lake, nothing too crazy.
There were some long water carries which is always annoying because it makes the pack heavy.
We stopped after 18 miles because we both felt super tired and my feet hurt and Iceman’s back hurt.
We took a little side trail at Sky Lakes Trail Junction .5 miles to a beautiful little lake, Deer Lake, in Sky Lakes Wilderness. We’re the only people here. We found a perfectly flat camp spot by the lake and had 1.5 portions of our beloved rice-bean-bone broth dinner because we’ve been hungry. Sadly, we had no unhealthy calorie dense dessert. The only thing you hear are bees and some wood packers and occasionally skeeters.
The scenery has changed alot since entering Oregon: it’s always green! It’s beautiful. We mostly hike through the forest now and get occasional views of blue lakes and volcanos.
We’re now 30.5 miles from Mazama village at Crater Lake, a beautiful extremely blue lake that is inside a former volcano. I’ve been there exactly 20 years ago with my mom and brother and am excited to go back there. If we feel good, we’ll push our first 30+ mile day, for a pizza and a beer, if not, we’ll get there in the morning the next day.
Today we talked all day which was super nice. My feet and neck hurts, my right knee feels stiff and swollen but doesn’t really hurt.
