Stats

Start: Charlotte Lake – Mile 788.9
End: Woods Creek – Mile 802
Elevation Max: 11,775
Elevation Min: 8,554
Elevation Change: 2,635 up & 3,781 down
Average Heart Rate: 109
Walking Time: 4 hrs 36 minutes
Date: 5/25/2022

The Walk

I woke up at 5 and 6, but went back to sleep each time. At 7 I decided to wake up and pack my tent and gear. A tent is nice to sleep in. It’s protection from the sun and feels cozy.

I wasn’t in a hurry today. No real plan for the day. I still have plenty of food. More than I need to get to VVR. I’m taking advantage of it.

I walked to the bear box to grab the rest of my food. Jeremy was there at the same time! We chatted for a minute and wished each other the best. They were planning to camp at Rae lakes today. I’d pass by there in a few hours.

I started the hike and walked back to the PCT. It was only a mile with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. Not too bad at all. The PCT immediately started to climb Glen Pass. Today I didn’t use FarOut for the first time.

I enjoy seeing the topography on the map and looking at the names of lakes and mountains along the way. I’m going to try and use only the map until VVR.

The climb to Glen Pass was steep and tiring. But the views were beautiful. There was a lake near the top and as I climbed the switchbacks I looked back over mountains and the lake. The pass opened into a snowy landscape. With a huge beautiful valley to walk through.

I spent 30 minutes descending through the snow. Sometimes postholing up to my thigh. The trail was cut pretty well from lots of footsteps before me and I didn’t feel danger along the descent. I saw a pink hat below and hollered out to Quest.

We chatted and stopped for lunch at Rae lakes. Such a beautiful place. Clear blue water framed by snowy mountains and I could see fish swimming around. We relaxed for 2 hours then decided to keep moving.

The trail wound down through the valley and we made our way across multiple water crossings. As we descended in the valley, mountains rose above us and the water grew louder. At the bottom of the valley was a huge suspensions bridge crossing a raging river. So cool! I was bouncing around as I crossed.

The trail started to ascend now and I walked slowly, soaking in all of the views. I didn’t plan to go much further. Only another mile or two. We kept following the raging river. It was music to the ears and beautiful all around.

Eventually we got to a strong water crossing. And had to cross very carefully. This water rushed down the mountain into a river. We made it though and relaxed to dry our feet. Soon after we found a flat spot for camping.

Not large enough to set up a tent, but good enough to cowboy. The bugs were out. But hopefully they would leave by dusk. They were worst down by the bridge, in the lowest part of the valley. One time I saw 5 mosquitos on my arm. So I quickly started walking again.

After setting up camp, I walked 100 yards and found an amazing spot for dinner. It was unreal. A cliff with a raging river to my left flowing down the valley and out of sight. Snow capped, enormous mountains rising up all around. And a jagged mountain ridge right in front, framing the forested valley.

I had cheese, salami, Avacado, veggies on a wrap for dinner. It was perfect. I stayed and watched the sunset then went back to crash.

I’m not sure how much I’ll hike tomorrow. At least will get over Pinchot pass. Maybe try to do Mather or save it until the next morning. We will see. I’m mostly hoping not to have many bug bites. It might be almost time to break out the bug net!