PCT Day 21 – PCT Mile 275 to Mile 292.4

April 25, 2025

Total PCT miles: 17.4

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 17.4 miles / 28 km

Total elevation gain: 1673

Total elevation loss: 3432

Steps: 40176

It was a cold start to the morning but I don’t think it actually got below freezing last night. I was plenty warm in my sleeping bag other than my feet. Some of the extra weight I am carrying is because i have a -10 degree sleeping bag. It has proven worth the weight on more than one night so far.

The goal today was to get to lower elevation so that what ever precipitation I have to deal with will be rain rather than wet snow. The second goal was to do that before it started raining. Both of which I achieved.

My ankle felt good all day despite not “taking it easy” with a 17.4 mile day. I made sure to take lots of breaks and the trail for the most part was easy going and not overly rocky. My left calf is actually causing me more issues than my ankle at this point.

I didn’t see any other PCT hikers today. Based on what I see in the Facebook groups it looks like most of them in the area are taking refuge in towns to avoid tonight’s storm. Considering the temperature, the wind and the rain they are probably the smart ones.

I did come across 2 small groups of day hikers and a family out on dirt bikes and 4 wheeler. They were kind enough to give me a drink and a snack as I answered all their questions about the PCT.

Other than that the trail was quite monotunous today. I had to ford across a freezing cold river and will have to do so twice more tomorrow. I decided to take my shoes etc off to keep everything dry.

I got to a campsite around 1600 hrs just as the sky was beginning to darken and made the wise decision to start setting up camp. As a result I’ll be dry… at least until I need to pee.

In 6.1 miles I can decide to go into the town of Cedar Glen. I wasn’t planning on this side quest but the high tomorrow is 5 degrees. So maybe i will.