backpacking

I’ve had a number of hikers and non-hikers alike ask me what my routine is like when I’m on trail. I figured I’d share some of the details here, including morning stretches, ways to keep your brain busy, and my daily schedule.

Day 7: Powerline Corridor to Mirror Lake (13 miles)
Day 8: Mirror Lake to Snoqualmie Pass (8.3 miles) 
My last couple days on trail for Section I passed in a bit of a blur. There were a lot of ups and downs, dirt forest roads, clear-cuts, douglas firs, and the occasional stream crossing to keep it interesting.

Day 6: Blowout Mountain to Powerline Corridor. I woke up this morning to a windy, wet world. The cooler weather provided a bit of a relief from the sun. I also saw things a bit differently as I hiked my 15 miles for the day.

Day 5: Crag Rock Spring to Blowout Mountain. Today I hiked 17 miles. Seventeen!!! That’s the most I’ve ever hiked in a day. I’m definitely getting my trail legs. The trail has also mellowed out a bit, allowing me to travel more easily.

Day 4: Bear Gap to Arch Rock Spring. The views along today’s trail were awesome as I travelled along a crest a couple ridges east of Mount Rainier. The clear blue skies and unique terrain made for a fantastic day.

Day 2: Snow Lake to American Lake. Today was an absolutely perfect day. I put nearly 13 miles under my boots, enjoyed meadows, wildlife, mountain views and gorgeous alpine lakes.

Day 1: White Pass to Snow Lake. My first day back on the PCT, jumping past Mount Adams & Goat Rocks and starting into the 100-mile “Section I.”

Day 6: Junction Lake to Mosquito Creek.
The north end of Indian Heaven Wilderness was a beautiful area, but unfortunately choked in snow. I had a long tough day of snow travel, and newborn hungry mosquitoes. It was time to make a decision about whether to keep going.

Day 5: Lava Bed Camp to Junction Lake
Today took me into the Indian Heaven Wilderness, a historic meeting area of local tribes and a gorgeous collection of lakes, ponds, tarns, and meadows.

Day 4: Panther Creek to Lava Bed Camp
12 miles, 3000+ feet of elevation gain, only a handful of other hikers, and lots and lots of trees! Day 4 on trail was a challenging one, but also included some great rewards.