PCT Day 93 – PCT Mile 1185.9 to Upper Tamarack Lake (1206.5)
July 6, 2026
Total PCT miles: 20.5
Non PCT miles: 2.0
Total: 22.5 miles / 33.0 km
Total elevation gain: 4491 ft
Total elevation loss: 4239 ft
Steps: 49142
I slept through my first alarm this morning. Normally not a big deal but today my second alarm was set for an hour later for some reason. Ultimately in the end it didn’t matter and I’m sure I needed the extra hour of sleep.
Today I’ll arrive in Sierra City, which isn’t much of a city. It’s barely a town with a population of 250ish people. It’s 10.7 miles to the road and then another two miles to the post office and general store and almost all of it is downhill.
I made really good time partly because of the terrain but also there really wasn’t much to see. When I arrived at Haypress Creek I saw a sign showing a shortcut that went directly into town. It passed through wild plumb campground and probably saved 1 mile at best.
There isn’t much to Sierra City. A Cafe that’s closed Monday (today) and Tuesday, the most ridiculously overpriced general store in all of America, a post office with the friendliest postmaster and Some small vacation properties. This would be a quick stop also known as a HERO (Head in, eat, resupply, out).
There were several other PCT hikers hanging out at the side of the store some of which I had met and others I had not. Apparently you can camp here but the space is really small. The prices at the store are literal highway robbery and it was the most I’ve paid on trail for anything. 7$ for a can of RedBull 4.50 for a chocolate bar. Ridiculous. Fortunately the grill was reasonably priced and the food was decent.
I finally mailed home my bear canister, microspikes and waterproof socks and as a result am carrying 3.2 lbs less of stuff. The weight is also better distributed in my bag as my bear can would only but vertically so it was always off to one side.
I was in town for a total of 3 hours. You can have a cold shower at the public restrooms but ewww and what’s the point if I can’t do laundry. I started walking along the road towards the trail and was picked up by Dan without even having my thumb out. I appreciate not having to walk the 2 miles.
From here the trail gains near 3000 ft of elevation over 7 miles which was not something I was looking forward to in the peak heat of the day. The first 1000 ft was in forest with lots of shade but the remainder was all on exposed ridge with lots of rocks. I think my most favorite thing to do is hike on exposed ridges on rocks in peak sun…
Fortunately there were some nice views and even cell signal for a bit. Oh I forgot to mention Sierra City has no cell signal what so ever. What “City” has no cell signal.
From the top I started my decent and found myself on the steepest decline I’ve been on all trail. Turns out I wasn’t on the PCT so that explains that. I made it to Tamarack Lake which is accessible by 4x4s as there is one here with a rooftop tent. Wish I had mine out here, would be a lot easier than walking.
I passed the 1200 mile marker. I don’t really have any deep thoughts about this one other than I passed the 1100 mile marker 5 days ago so I’m happy with that. This also means I’ve been hiking on an ankle I sprained about 1000 miles ago!
I really didn’t want to get out of bed today nor did I particularly feel rushed to do so. It was suppose to be cloudy all day with a high of only 20. Perfect weather to hike and thus in theory no need to rush out of bed at the crack of dawn. All that said I was still on trail by 0630 hrs and it ended up being mostly sunny.
I wanted to make good miles today so I can get into Sierra City tomorrow. The post office is only open from 10-2 and I desperately want to ship my bear canister and a few other things home.
The trail today was monotonous. A few ups and few downs and no real great views to speak off. I mean it’s nature, is beautiful but after being spoiled in the sierra and around Lake Tahoe my current surroundings feel lackluster.
I saw hardly anyone today. No other PCT hikers and only 2 weekend hikers walking south. I occupied myself mostly by listening to EDM podcasts.
The “NorCal” blues are something many PCT hikers must over come. It’s caused by a combination of still being in California And feeling like it will never end, the thrill and beauty of the Sierra being behind you and the trail can get really lonely. I’m not really feeling it yet and maybe won’t.
I have made the decision that I will be skipping a section of NorCal. From Chester I will skip up to Seiad Valley thus missing about 250 miles of trail. This will still allow me to pass the 1/2 way mark on the PCT and give me th satisfaction of crossing the California – Oregon border. The reason is I want to be done early September – the earlier the better. This will allow me some much needed time at home to catch up with family and friends and relax before the next phase of my Sabbatical.
It’s not the most ideal, and technically I won’t have thru-hiked the PCT rather completed what is known as a LASH (Long Ass Section Hike). I’m okay with this – I’ll still have hiked over 2300 miles, which is absurd. Who does this anyways.
Thats my best case scenario. Next best would be starting back at Ashland Oregon which would be easier to get to via public transportation.
24 miles today puts me just over 10 miles to town so I shouldn’t have any issues getting to the post office in time!
Considering the mileage and the terrain yesterday I felt pretty good when I woke up this morning. The sun was rising behind me as I packed up my tent and got ready for the day.
It was a quick two miles to Donner Pass and an easy hitch with someone dropping off a PCT hiker to the Soda Springs General Store. I got there well before they opened so I sat on a chair outside. Chairs! Being able to sit with your back supported is something I most certainly take for granted in my normal life.
Today is the 4th of July and I think this is one of few stores open because it was a busy place from the moment it opened at 0800. I enjoyed 2 breakfast sandwiches, did a top up of my resupply and charged my power bank before heading off.
The hitch back to Donner Summit was also easy fortunately. They dropped me off at the Donner Summit Ski Resort. Here with your PCT permit they will give you a free 40 of beer. Several PCT hikers were there already enjoying theirs. My alcohol tolerance is basically 0 so I got mine and gave it to the group that were clearly in 4th of July party mode. You can stay at the bunk house here for 40$ but instead I had lunch and was on my way. But I wish I had stayed I was feeling off but wanting to make miles I didn’t listen to my body.
A few short miles after starting back on trial I developed a very painful headache and some nausea. I walked slow and took many breaks. It was hot out but the trail had lots of cover. I had drank plenty of water. It definitely wasn’t a caffeine headache and Tylenol or Advil did not help.
I ended up stopping early at the Peter Grub Hutt. These types of shelters are common on other Thru Hikes but this is the first non emergency use shelter going northbound on the PCT. It’s a little creepy so I found a place nearby to set up my tent.
The thing I dislike about camping near other people I don’t know is that I feel bad when I wake up early and start making noise packing up to start the day. It seems I typically start my day earlier than most hikers and often hike past sleeping hikers for the first part of the day. But alas the person camped next to me set up after I arrived so such is life. I was up hiking at 0530hrs just as I heard my neighbor start restling in their tent.
First I was treated to an absolutely amazing sunrise over Lake Tahoe. Definitely one of not the best I’ve seen thus far in this hike. Then only minutes later I found myself lying on the ground. I tripped, over what I don’t know and had this semi slow motion collapse onto the rocky terrain that was the trail. The weight of my backpack pushing me down I panicked when I couldn’t move my right leg. But fortunately it turns out my trekking pole had gone through my pants and because of the weird position I was in had it pinned. That said for the remainder of the day I had some new pain (I think it’s new, hard to tell when most things hurt most of the time) in my left ankle… the good one.
The morning started with the first of three climbs that brought me into Granite Cheif Wilderness. One at the top it was the first ridge walk of the day That finished when I passed the first ski resort of the day. I finished the Tahoe Rim Trail portion of the PCT and assumed it would mean less hikers.
I’m glad I’m still carrying this silly thing.
By the time I reached the second climb of the day the sun was out in full force and it was hot. I deployed my sun umbrella which thankfully kept me cool. On the way to the top of the climb there were several trail runners and a few weekend campers. I suppose it is July 4th weekend so the trail will probably be busy. On the way down I passed Olympic Village and at least two dozen day hikers. I chatted with several groups about the PCT
I took a long break before the third accent of the day. As I tried to figure out where I might camp. At the top is another ridge walk and may miles where Far Out had no indication of any camp spots. There is
limited water and I couldn’t camp where I was as it is private property for some University Ecogical Study area. I again deployed my sun umbrella and went on my way. I stopped at the last water source before HWY 80 and filled up three liters and finished the climb.
At the top was an 8 mile ridge walk that provided great vistas in all directions and tons of wild flowers. I hiked until I finally found a spot to camp about 2 ish miles to Donner Pass road which I’ll take tomorrow to Soda Springs General Store to get some real food!
I’m camped next to Sugar Bowl ski hill in what I’m sure is not an entirely legal campsite. But after 24 miles and 10000 ft of elevation change I could go no further. Unfortunately there is a concert somewhere near by that I can hear in my tent but I’m so exhausted I’m sure that won’t keep me up. They are currently playing Don’t Stop Believing….
I was planning on starting on trail today at 0500 hrs. It’s starting to get warmer during the day. It’s by no means hot but even at 21 Celsius which no clouds in the sky a 1000 ft exposed climb is no fun. But I made the decision to “sleep in” and started at 0600 instead. Fortunately it not too hot yet but that weather will likley hit soon. I was treated to a beautiful sun rise as I packed up my tent.
The first part of the day was hiking through the remainder of Desolation Wilderness. There were a few lakes but nothing as incredible as yesterday. About 5 miles into the day I took my first break and who happens to come around the corner but Pinecone and Sage! We caught up briefly they are both taking a few days off in Sacramento via Truckee. So today and tomorrow are likely the only days I’ll leap frog them.
After leaving Desolation Wilderness the trail was forest with not much to see for most of the afternoon. I occupied myself by listening to a History Channel podcast about World War 2 narrated by Tom Hanks. I’m definitely going to need to download more podcasts. Hiking alone most of the time means I need something to occupy the brain.
At Barker Pass Trailhead there was trail magic. Victoria and Tyler were set up and providing BBQ and cold drinks to Tahoe Rim Trail and PCT hikers. I enjoyed a burger, hotdog and cold drink and some conversation before heading on my way.
I stopped earlier than anticipated as from here the PCT goes along a ridge I think and there are no campsites indicated in FarOut for another 8.8 miles. Which I had no intention of trying to accomplish today.
Tomorrow is another day and I plan on starting at 0500!
Huge thanks to Sonja for the ride to the trail head.
PCT Day 87 & 88 – Zero in South Lake Tahoe to PCT Mile 1108.5
June 30 & July 1, 2026
Total PCT miles: 15.1
Non PCT miles: 0.0
Total: 15.1 miles / 24.3 km
Total elevation gain: 3412 ft
Total elevation loss: 2372 ft
Steps: 37490
Zero Day in Tahoe
I would say I had a very successful zero day in Tahoe. I completed all my town chores and resupply before noon and had the rest of the day to relax. I purchased a replacement CNOC bag which I use to collect water for filtering as my previous one has developed a small hole. I also got a CNOC water bottle because you can’t buy a one liter smart water bottle in Tahoe. There are sections of Northern California that are drier so I wanted a little more water carrying capacity.
I spend the afternoon in and out of the hot tub at my hotel, finding a ride from a trail angle back to trail tomorrow and eating. I even ate an entire bag of fried chicken. It was delicious but man my stomach was not happy with me. It was nice to be in my own space for the two days especially because I don’t think I’ll have many zero days moving forward.
July 1st – Back on Trail
It’s weird not to be working today. I think I have worked every Canada Day since becoming a paramedic 16 years ago. I find myself missing work lately and wondering what I will return to when my sabbatical year is over. There was a crazy storm that hit Ottawa today that cancelled a lot of the celebrations. I’m sure it caused some chaos.
I was picked up from my hotel at 10:30 by Sonja a wonderful amazing trail angle that spends her summers up in South Lake Tahoe. It took about 30 mins to reach Echo Lake where I would start back on trail. I really enjoyed the conversation on the way and am very grateful for the lift!
Echo Lake
I was back on Trail at 11:15 after a quick prepackaged sandwich from the Echo Lake Chalet. The first few miles around Echo lake was very busy with day hikers. There was also a kids summer camp walking along the trail. One of the kids asked if I was hiking the PCT and when I responded that I was they all started cheering for me.
After waking around Echo Lake I entered Desolation Wilderness. After a short climb and a couple of miles I came to Aloha Lake. This is certainly the most beautiful lake I’m seen thus far on trail. Literally from here and all the way up Dicks Lake Pass was mind blowing beautiful. I tried to find a flat spot for my tent along the ridge leading up to the pass that had the best view but there were none to be found. Dicks Lake Pass is at 9400 ft and is the last time I will be above 9000 ft on the trail.
I also passed the 1100 mile marker
on the PCT – only 1550 to go… ugh
I think my only complaint from the day is that almost the entire trail today was hiking on rocks of various shapes and sizes and that really slowed me down. I finished a bit later than usual today. Normally I like to be at camp around 1800 but I ended at 1930 tonight and finished dinner just as the sun set.
