PCT Day 98 – The Old Gas Station
Stats
Start: Dispersed camp site before boundary spring.1,344.5
End: Old Station 1,373.4
Elevation Max: 6,621
Elevation Min: 4,379
Elevation Change: 2,987 up & 4,466 down
Walking Time: 9 hrs 14 minutes
Date: 7/9/2022
The Walk
I woke up ready to see Lassen Volcanic National Park. Yesterday a local who gave me a hitch warned me of the burn area. And said it had been beautiful before the burn. I’m thankful I see the trail with no experience. My walk can’t be interrupted by comparison to a past state that I don’t know.
Lava rock was the theme for the day. I was excited to see a geyser and a cave formed of lava flows. We started off the day pretty early and walked through the burn area.
I found the side trail to the Geyser 4 miles in. The Geyser was different than anything I’ve seen in 1,300 miles. Steam rose through the trees as I got closer.
The trail went to the edge of a hill and then down a steep 30 feet. I slid down. For half a second I wondered how close I was supposed to go. But how many times will I be this close to an active geyser? The smell of sulfur filled my nose as I slid down. Yuck.
I walked right next to the steaming geyser. The standing water was bubbling and steam coming out of hundreds of cracks in the rock. It was so cool. After a few minutes I headed back to the trail and kept walking.
The Lassen forest was burnt. Most of the trees were black or had fallen. I was thankful it wasn’t a windy day and none of the trees were wavering or creaking as I walked by.
I passed a few patches of grass with beautiful wildflowers. They were thriving with no trees to block their sunlight.
In the afternoon the burnt forest changed to a green shaded forest until old station. I’ve learned not to expect much from gas stations. But this one was top notch. They had all the hiker needs for a resupply and even had frozen foods and a microwave.
I was tired. And thankful we decided to camp in a park beside the gas station. Tomorrow I get fresh breakfast at the diner before a hot day of hiking!
