washington

Day 3: American Lake to Bear Gap Junction. It was a beautiful morning at American Lake. I had a little under 12 miles to hike, and some wonderful lakes, alpines meadows and passes to travel through.

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.

Before starting back onto the next section of the PCT, hubby and I spent a couple nights camping in Mount Rainier National Park. We had a picture perfect day of hiking in Sunrise.

Day 7: Mosquito Creek to Forest Road 23. The miles passed quickly on my last day on trail for Section H. My pack was emptier and light, my body wasn’t too sore, my spirit was willing, and my brain enjoyed the time to reflect on my travels up to that point.

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.

Day 2: Table Mountain to Rock Creek.
My first solo day on trail was a cloudy ridge line trek through wildflower-filled meadows, clear cut land, and hemlock forests.

Day 1: Bridge of the Gods to Table Mountain
It was a gorgeous day to start along the Pacific Crest Trail. My husband joined me for the first 10 miles of my adventure as we crossed The Bridge of the Gods and climbed north out of the Columbia Gorge.

Today I hit the trail. Not just any trail, but THE trail. The Pacific Crest Trail. The first multi-week trail I ever heard about. The trail that seemed like an impossible challenge. The trail I figured I’d never have time to do. I got the kernel of an idea, and have built on it until it has become my reality. So today I step out on a journey to complete the first half of the 500-mile Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail.