PCT Day 109 – PCT mile 1800.8 to Crater Lake (1822.4)
July 22, 2026
Total PCT miles: 21.6
Non PCT miles: 1.0
Total: 22.6 miles / 36.4 km
Total elevation gain: 2838 ft
Total elevation loss: 3592 ft
Steps: 51879
Remaining Distance: 832.6 miles
I slept well, not long enough… not sure long enough sleep or rested is really a thing anymore. Other than a few water sources that are really close to where I am camped and a pond that’s off trail that doesn’t sound very appealing there is no water until I get to Crater Lake. So 22.6 miles, with temperatures around 25 degrees and most of the day is through a burn scar. I made the decision to carry 5 liters… thankfully I’m almost out of food.
The day started by navigating a series of blowdowns by channeling my inner American ninja warrior. The blow downs would continue on and off with various degrees of difficulty until I arrived at the National Park Boundry (15ish miles). Just prior to entering the park I saw the first other human being I’ve seen in 36 hours.
Most of the day was spent walking through a burn scar. Not sure which fire or when it was but based on how tall the new trees are it happened before the others I have walked through.
I reached the national park boundry and hiked the final miles into Mazama Village arriving at 1530. I had dinner at the restaurant (it was okay), got my resupply box (thank goodness I sent one here) and headed to the PCT campground. The campground only cost 5$ per night. Which I’m assuming is a good deal compared to the regular sites. There is no cell reception here so to use the interweb you need to hang out at the store. Tomorrow I’ll actually walk the trail around Crater Lake.
Today was a tough day for me mentally. I’m physically and mentally exhausted and just feel done. It’s been 109 days and I’m tired of being sore and tired and having a hard time embracing the suck. The heat, long water carries, big miles, promise of upcoming wildfire smoke, the consistent pain, low energy, missing home and the boredom really took its toll on me today. I’ll say it- I want to be done. This has been building over a while but it really hit me today.
Now I’m not saying I’m leaving the trail… at least not yet. One of the things I promised myself was not to make rash decisions or quit on a bad day. So tomorrow I’ll treat myself to a real breakfast at the restaurant and head on my way.
One foot in front of another.
I bet you would have had a better day if they only let you pick mushrooms lol
Love you and can’t wait to hold you xo