I took a lot of pictures on the Pacific Crest Trail, but if I could do it over again (when I do it over again) I would make sure to take more pictures of the people I spent time with on the trail (so listen up, would be hikers).
The following collection is by no means a comprehensive portrayal of life on the PCT, and by no measure does it accurately capture all aspects of thru-hiking (for example, there are no photos of me weeping like a child, violently throwing up, using “backcountry skills“, or pondering what the hell I am doing on the PCT in the first place).
Such tales are reserved for a more intimate setting.
WARNING: the following contains photos that are likely to cause intense nostalgia in former thru-hikers, please proceed at your own risk.
Also note that these photos are not in strict chronological/geographical order, but for the most part, they are.
The PCT’s southern terminus – the beginning of the end.Day 1 – what the hell am I doing?A sign of good fortune.I saw some ants on candy, want to talk about that?Lizards everywhere.Biggest lesson? This is way too heavy.Making friends in the desert.Drained of all energy at this point – this is harder than expected.First big view of all the desert to come.Adjusting to life on the road.Tenting near the Sunrise Trailhead.A glorious cache of water.1/26 of the way there.Heading to Warner Springs.Eagle Rock, a worthy detour.Nothing works. My feet are destroyed.I attempt to enjoy the beauty as darkness and irrational fear take hold.The desert can be beautiful too.Taking a much-needed break in Idyllwild.No milk or butter required.Lake Silverwood.Joshua trees – your friends in the desert.What dirty socks and gaiters do to water.Saw more rattlesnakes than I can count.Deep Creek – not very deep.Signs of civilization.So many calories.Half shade? I’ll take it.Above the clouds with poodle dog bush.California AqueductWind TurbinesA register for stalking other hikers.An otherwise terrible place to visit.Packing the bear canister – essential Kennedy Meadows activity.If only every day was this clear.Trail cooking level 7.Switchbacks > straight uphill.Fire to defeat the bugs (and cook).Freshly caught dinner.Had to swim here – no choice.Swimming – so tempting.Making friends on every pass.Devil’s PostpileAnother beautiful day in the Sierra.Distracting myself from the impending storm.Smiling the pain away.The grass is always greener.Muir Pass HutDinner, perhaps?So thankful for all the water.A long ways to go…Still a little snow left.The water slide.Mile 800!Sometimes the bugs win.So many lakes, all of them beautiful.Banjo and AchilliesFavorite photo of the trail?Mustachio made it too.The top of Forester Pass. Highest point on the PCT.Approaching Forester Pass in the Sierra.Western side of Mount Whitney.The barren landscape of 14,000 feet.Proving I have been up there. Another worthy detour.Top of Mount Whitney.Hiking selfies.Chicken Spring Lake in the Sierra.Reflections are always cool.Squaw Valley chair lift.Tea Wagon trail magic.Taking a break.Essential for energy and morale.Halfway there.A well deserved break in Chester, CA.Mount ShastaPoor little mouse. The circle of life.A high point on the trail.Burney Falls State ParkPrecarious camping.I like these shots.Northern California got a bit wet.5+ pounds of pancakes. Uneatable.Oregon California Border.Crater Lake, OregonFrom the Olallie Lake Store.Leaving Mount JeffersonDoing laundry – what’s the use?I think these kill you?Mac Lake – where I was born.Getting there.The burn sections don’t end in the desert.Rosary Lakes – possibly the best campsite of the trail.Oregon/Washington high point.Diamond Lake on the Oregon Skyline Trail alternate.Tunnel Falls – worth the detour.Bridge Of The GodsEarly start in Washington.Old and new PCT trail markers.Mount Adams sunset.Washington has mushrooms too.Into the clouds.Mount RainierSafari and Appa The Sky Bison.A barred owl!Dutch Miller GapOld PCT marker.Deception Lake fog.Rays of hope.The trails of Washington.Stehekin – a place where nothing happens.Just accept that you are getting wet.PLEASE?! Pick me up?This is not good.Yup, way too much snow.You win, trail.At the end of it all.PCT Northern Terminus monument.
Disclaimer: I am not attempting to prescribe advice to anyone. A magic bullet does not exist (except silver ones, those kill werewolves), and what works…
Planning for the Pacific Crest Trail can seem overwhelming if you’ve never done a long-distance hike before. What gear do I get? Where do I…
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