Stats

Start: Bridge Creek Campground – Mile 2,577.8
End: Harts Pass – Mile 2,623
Elevation Max: 6,828
Elevation Min: 2,213
Elevation Change: 15,185 up & down
Walking Time: 14 hrs 4 minutes
Date: 9/3/2022 – 9/4/2022

The Walk

Day 154 – Bridge Creek Campground to Stream and Tentsite (2,577.8 – 2,601.9)
Day 155 – Stream and Tentsite to Harts Pass (2,601.9 – 2,623)

I woke up 73 miles from Canada and 43 miles from the end of my trip. My mind wasn’t in it, but my body knew the routine. The sun was creeping up so it was time to get moving.

It’s hard to stay sad when you’re hiking through beautiful forests and fun suspension bridges. The next two days were very somber. Everyone was processing not only the trail closure, but that the entire hike was wrapping up!

Northern Washington was stunning. The last morning on trail was special. It started with a dawn climb through the clouds and after a few miles we were looking down at a cloud shelf covering a valley. The mountaintops were exposed and colored by the rising sun. It was a reminder to appreciate the portions of trail I got to experience this year.

The trail changed me. It opened my eyes to a new way of living. A community of people who support one another and form deep connections. There is nothing and nowhere to hide on trail.

On the last climb of the hike a group of 6 southbound hikers passed by. They asked what we were hiking and I told them the PCT. They had heard about the trail closures and said sorry. But they were so stoked for us. The said. You finished the trail!

Their enthusiasm and validation felt amazing. It was just what I needed. I finished the last few miles taking in the scenery and letting my mind wander free. We arrived at Hart’s Pass and that was a wrap. I hitched two rides to Seattle and the trail was officially done. This is the last hitch of trail. What a fitting way to end it….for now.