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.
One day at a time.
Really does look like another world out there.
How you find the time to walk that much AND line up such magestic landscape shots is beyond me.
Get some well needed rest buddaahhh. Bolololop.
And please. Please. Never shave.