Days 121-123, August 16-18: PCT Mile 2088 to Eagle Creek
Ah, to be back on the PCT!
Day 121, August 16: Mile 2088 to 2098/Timberline Lodge
Start: Frog Lake - Mile 2087.5
End: Timberline Lodge - Mile 2098.0
Miles: 10.5
Ascent: 2592 | Descent: 666
Pebbles’ parents graciously agreed to drive her, Pebbles and me back to the PCT in their rental car. We left Newport relatively early in the morning so we could make the 3.5 hour drive and get to trail around noon.
They dropped us off, I thanked them again and Pebbles said her goodbyes. And we were off!
I took the trail very easy, knowing my legs and lungs would be somewhat out of mountain shape, having walked on the beach for two weeks, and not very many miles per day at that. Still, it was amazing to be back in the forest, under the trees. I breathed the mountain air deeply.
After a while, I got my first glimpse of Mount Hood! The mountain was striking, and surrounded by wildflowers. Ironically, there was a mile or so of loose sandy trail on the way up past Mt. Hood - did I somehow get back on the Oregon Coast Trail?!
I made it to the Timberline Lodge, which sits below Mt. Hood and is the famous “Overlook Hotel” from The Shining. I was so excited to see this famous landmark. I was also excited that my two friends, Baggins and Zippo, were still at the lodge. We got drinks at the bar and though we had all planned to hike out that evening, we didn’t manage to escape the vortex of the Timberline Lodge.
Day 122, August 17: Mile 2098 to 2115
Start: Timberline Lodge - Mile 2098.0
End: Lolo Pass Rd - Mile 2115.2
Miles: 17.2
Ascent: 2959 | Descent: 5522
The three of us- Baggins, Zippo and me- broke down our campsite near the Lodge and wandered to the lobby to get coffee and fill up our water bottles, planning to hike out early. Then, we were reminded of the famous breakfast buffet, which started at 8am. Well, I guess we were staying until then!
The breakfast buffet did not disappoint. In fact, for $25, it was one of the best I’ve had in recent memory. There were perfectly soft bagels and bread, tons of fresh fruit and berries, plump smoked salmon with dill cheese spread, all types of normal hot breakfast food, fresh waffles, etc. Everything was fresh and delicious, and it was money well spent.
After lazing around and digesting for a bit more after breakfast, I finally made it out to trail around 11am. I hiked past ski lifts and around the base of Mt. Hood. There were sweeping views and I was very happy to be back on the PCT.
I ended up taking an “alternate,” aka a trail that was not the PCT. This one followed Eagle Creek, and I was able to see the first of two stunning waterfalls- Ramona Falls and Tunnel Falls (the following day). I had heard more chatter about the latter, supposedly being the coolest part of the entire PCT journey for many, but I thought Ramona Falls were cooler. The water cascaded in a lattice pattern over basalt formations. I sat and stared and at the falls for quite a while, entranced by the beauty.
I hiked on and made it to a cozy little camp tucked in the trees. As it was already getting dark outside, I set up my tent, ate dinner and got ready for bed as quickly as possible before passing out.
Day 123, August 18: Mile 2115 to 2140ish/Eagle Creek Alternate
Start: Lolo Pass Rd - Mile 2115.2
End: Eagle Creek Alternate - Mile 2140.0ish (not officially PCT)
Miles: 24.8
Ascent: 2260 | Descent: 5033
I woke up early and got a move on my day. It felt good to be getting back into more of my normal routine. I hiked for a bit with three people I had met very early on in the desert- Passport, Daddy Long Toes and Tribute. We had fun playing riddles as we made our way over and under downed trees. They were a bit faster than me, though, and after a while I gave up trying to keep up with them.
Towards the end of the day, I finally made it to Tunnel Falls, which was still very awesome! To construct the trail, a section of the rock face was blasted by dynamite, and hikers walk through a tunnel behind a rushing waterfall. I was a little freaked out as the rocks were wet and slippery above the sheer cliffs and an old looking metal cable handrail, but I made it through just fine.
I ended up making it to camp late again, and got a crappy spot right next to the trail. There weren’t many good spots anywhere in the section though, so I took what I could get and passed out quickly.
