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.