PCT Day 116 – Minnie Scott Spring (1977.8) to Bend (1985.3)
July 27, 2026
Total PCT miles: 7.5
Non PCT miles: 0.0
Total: 7.5 miles / 12.1 km
Total elevation gain: 679 ft
Total elevation loss: 2051 ft
Steps: 19850
Remaining Distance: 669.7 miles
Today is finally the day I’m going into Bend. Thank goodness, because I am sore. Over the past 10 days I’ve hiked 257.5 miles (414 km), and my body definitely feels it this morning. When I get back on trail, I’ll have only 191 miles left in Oregon, which is hard to believe.
It was a short hike to McKenzie Pass today, though much of it was across loose lava rock. Just what my ankles needed! As desolate as the landscape is, there’s a strange, dark beauty to it that’s hard to explain. The endless fields of black volcanic rock make it feel like you’re walking across another planet.
I made good time to the trailhead and headed toward the restrooms because I’d heard that’s the best place to hitch a ride into town. Looking around, I wasn’t exactly optimistic. The road is a narrow mountain highway with lava rock on both sides, very little shoulder, and not much traffic.
Fortunately, luck was on my side. Just as I reached the turnoff, a car pulled in and the driver, Peter, asked if I needed a ride to Sisters. Peter is semi-retired and spends his summers living and working out of his car. He often comes to McKenzie Pass specifically to give PCT hikers rides into town. Talk about perfect timing. Without him, I have no idea how long I would have been standing there waiting for a hitch.
He dropped me off in downtown Sisters, where I grabbed breakfast and killed some time before catching the 11:40 bus to Bend. Thankfully, the wildfire situation has improved significantly over the last few days. The Akawa Butte Fire is still burning only about 15 miles north of town, but evacuation notices were reduced or lifted yesterday, which is welcome news for everyone in the area.
While waiting for the bus, a southbound PCT hiker named “Caddy Shack” was dropped off at the stop. We spent the next little while talking about trail conditions, and by the end of the conversation we’d decided to split a room at the Days Inn in Bend. It was great hearing about what lies ahead over the next few days—and possibly weeks. Once he finishes the PCT, he’ll have completed the entire Triple Crown of Hiking, an incredible accomplishment.
Back in Bend, I ran into Oscar along with several other hikers who were staying at the Days Inn. After so many days of seeing almost no one, all of the conversation and human connection was surprisingly rejuvenating. I don’t think I realized how much I’d been missing simply talking to people.
Tomorrow will be a much-needed zero day before heading back to the trail. I’m still physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. The last few weeks have taken more out of me than I expected. But I know I can keep pushing—at least through the rest of Oregon. Once I reach Washington, I’ll decide what comes next.
PCT Day 115 – PCT Mile 1951.8 to Minnie Scott Spring (1977.8)
July 27, 2026
Total PCT miles: 26.0
Non PCT miles: 0.0
Total: 26.0 miles / 41.8 km
Total elevation gain: 4734 ft
Total elevation loss: 3458 ft
Steps: 60919
Remaining Distance: 677.2 miles
I woke up this morning a touch later than normal. The plan was to hike to Elk Lake where I could possibly get breakfast then sort out a ride to Bend. Since I was only 3 miles from the lake I wasn’t in much of a rush. But somewhere between leaving my tent and the trail junction I changed my mind and decided to go into town the next day.
There are 3 places you can get off trail and into Bend. Somehow i knew if I got off here I’d end up skipping this small section. The second junction is Mackenzie Pass and I’ll have to get back on here because my resupply box is between this pass and the third junction.
So onward I went. Away from the comforts of town and another day of embracing the suck. Present me is not happy with myself but future me will be happy.
The trail really did open up today with great views of the Three Sisters Mountains. I have exited Oregons Green Tunnel and entered something new and refreshing.
Not long after, I entered the Obsidian Limited Entry Area, one of the most unique sections of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. Thousands of years ago, eruptions from the nearby volcanoes left behind deposits of obsidian, natural volcanic glass that forms when lava cools almost instantly. Pieces of the shiny black rock were scattered across the landscape, catching the sunlight as I walked past.
Then, almost as quickly as the obsidian appeared, the landscape changed again. The trees gave way to sprawling lava fields where ancient flows had hardened into endless stretches of jagged black rock. It felt like I had stepped onto another planet. After days of hiking through dense forest, the sudden openness, volcanic terrain, and constant views of the Three Sisters made this one of the most memorable sections of Oregon so far.
The day ended with an unexpected climb up volcanic rock to 7000 ft. I was exhausted and ready for the day to be over. Here the wind was howling and there wasn’t a great place to set up my tent anyways so I kept on going. I started descending and entered the Minnie Scott Spring special area where I finally found a decent place to set up for the night.
PCT Day 114 – Bobby Lake (1919.2) to PCT Mile 1951.8
July 26, 2026
Total PCT miles: 32.6
Non PCT miles: 0.3
Total: 32.9 miles / 52.9 km
Total elevation gain: 3996 ft
Total elevation loss: 4068 ft
Steps: 74290
Remaining Distance: 703.2 miles
The alarm went off early as usual, and before long I was back on the trail. From the first few miles I could tell it was going to be a good day. My legs felt strong, nothing was really hurting, and the terrain was some of the gentlest I’ve seen in quite a while. Days like this are dangerous—they make it almost too easy to keep walking.
Before long I entered another large burn area. Unlike some of the previous fire scars I’ve walked through, almost nothing had grown back here. It felt more like hiking through a desert than a forest, with blackened tree trunks standing like skeletons across the landscape. As bleak as it looked, the lack of trees opened up incredible views of the Three Sisters towering on the horizon. It was easily the best scenery of the day and a reminder that even landscapes shaped by wildfire can have their own kind of beauty.
Later in the morning I met the support crew for someone attempting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) across the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. They’re aiming to complete the entire state in just six days. an absolutely mind-blowing pace when I think about how much effort it takes me to hike one good day. A little while later, while I was stopped filtering water, the runner flew by. There wasn’t much time for conversation before he disappeared up the trail, but it was incredible to witness someone moving at that speed.
Not long after, I officially entered the Three Sisters Wilderness. The scenery continued to improve as I passed countless small lakes and ponds scattered through the forest. They seemed to appear around every corner, each one calm enough to perfectly reflect the surrounding trees and mountains.
My original plan had been to spend the night at Dumbbell Lake, but when I arrived there were already several non-PCT hikers camped around the shoreline. Rather than squeeze into an already busy campsite, I decided to keep going. Since I was still feeling good, it seemed like the right decision.
Original PCT trail makers. First one I’ve seen on the trail. Likley from the 70s
That extra push turned into something I never expected. When I finally stopped for the evening, my watch read 32.9 miles—a new personal record on the Pacific Crest Trail. If you had told me back in Southern California that I’d one day hike nearly 33 miles and still feel good, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
To top it all off, I camped beside an actual flowing stream. It might sound funny to get excited about something so ordinary, but after so many stagnant ponds and carefully rationed water carries, hearing moving water again was surprisingly refreshing.
If everything goes according to plan, tomorrow I’ll make my way into Bend. A shower, some real food, and a little time in town are sounding pretty good right now.
PCT Day 113 – Shelter Cove (1909.2) to Bobby Lake (1919.2)
July 25, 2026
Total PCT miles: 10.0
Non PCT miles: 2.0
Total: 12.0 miles / 19.3 km
Total elevation gain: 2041 ft
Total elevation loss: 1444 ft
Steps: 29549
Remaining Distance: 735.8 miles
It was a slow start to the morning and a lazy start to the day. Just what I needed after back to back near 30 mile days. I was still up around 630 but when your used to getting up around 430 it felt wonderful. I had my first shower in a week and did laundry. I almost felt like a new man.
The restaurant opens at 0800 and I ordered two breakfast plates. The hiker hunger hit me hard. I probably could have eaten a third but I settled for ice cream and chips. I picked up my resupply box and finished what chores I could get done.
Throughout the morning several other hikers showed up. I spoke with Heaps who is currently on her 4th thru-hike of the PCT and to two hikers attempting a calander year triple crown. This is when you hike the AT, PCT and CDT in one calander year. One of the two had been attempting to do ten thousand miles in a calendar year but has had to slow down. I was encouraged by the fact they all said Oregon gets a lot better after Elk lake which is only 40 ish or so miles from here.
I’m really only still on this trail because I’m too stubborn to quit. Several other hikers I spoke with all shared similar feelings. So at least I’m not alone in how negative I am currently feeling.
I finally got everything together and found the energy to get moving shortly after 1200. My next planned stop is Big Lake where I have another resupply box waiting. It should take 3-4 days but I might go into Sisters or Bend before that.
Instead of pushing myself today I decided to call it after 10 PCT miles at Bobby lake. The next water source is another 6 miles from here and I didn’t feel like hiking that today. There are two groups of weekend campers here. One has been section hiking the Oregon PCT over the last few years and also assured me the trail gets much more interesting after Elk lake.
Shelter cove was an excellent stop. The staff were amazing, the food was good and I really needed a chance connect with other hikers even if it was just for a few hours.
PCT Day 112 – PCT mile 1879.8 to Shelter Cove (1909.2)
July 24, 2026
Total PCT miles: 28.4
Non PCT miles: 1.3
Total: 29.7 miles / 47.8 km
Total elevation gain: 4035 ft
Total elevation loss: 5039 ft
Steps: 68024
Remaining Distance: 745.8 miles
For a number of reasons It’s getting difficult to write these blog posts. Over the past 7 days I have hiked 186.6 miles or 300.3 kilometers. To be honest the trail has been fairly boring during this time. At the end of the day I’m exhausted and just want to eat and sleep. Most of the day I’m in almost a trance like state staring at the ground so I don’t trip over a rock or stick or my own two feet. Add in my generally not so positive general mood and well words become hard.
Today the goal was to get to Shelter Cove Resort before the store and restaurant closes at 1900 hours. Ideally earlier so I could actually make use of said store and restaurant. I have a resupply box here as well that has my next 4 days of food in it. I’ll actually arrive a day earlier than I had planned which is nice.
I left camp at 0530 after filling up water from the cache. I think I’ve used caches just as much in Oregon as I did in the desert. Which is wild to me.
The day started with the first of two 1500 ft climbs. For a change I was actually cold this morning. Not that it was actually cold but it was certainly damp. My tent was soaked with condensation as it has been the last few nights dispite the generally warm temperatures. I even hiked for about a mile with my fleece on. I reached the top of the ridge and the wind was blowing fairly hard and I actually again felt cold. There were some decent views that were somewhat obscured by smoke.
The wildfire situation seems to be getting worse everyday. There are massive fires burning in Oregon and Washington but as of yet the only ones directly impacting the trail are in Washington which includes the closure of the trail to both the northern terminus and the “alternate terminus”.
I made my only real stop of the day at Summit Lake, about 12 miles into the day, for lunch and to dry out my tent. I had barely drank any water. In fact the last few days I’ve drank less than I normally would. I wonder if this is because I’m getting more acclimatized to the heat or if I’m just too much in the aforementioned trance like state.
From here it was another climb in through Diamond Peak wilderness. Several day / weekend hikers passed by going South Bound. There were lots of ponds and small lakes off the trail that I suppose one could explore but time was ticking to get to Shelter Cove.
I got into Shelter Cove just before 1800 with plenty of time to eat real food and drink cold coke. There were actually several other PCT hikers here. This is a busy place with tons of people camping over the weekend. There is a very nice PCT campsite an a sheltered area where we can chill and charge electronics and have access to the WiFi. I did not have time to shower or do laundry which I will do tomorrow. I’ll also get my resupply box tomorrow. I’m hoping to get back on trail around noonish. After a breakfast and lunch.
My next box is at Big Lake which is 90 ish miles. But I may go into Bend. To be determined.
I’m doing what I have been doing from day one taking it one resupply stop at a time and trying my best to embrace the suck of it all.
