PCT Day 23 – PCT Mile 313.4 to Silverwood Lake Campground

April 26, 2025

Total PCT miles: 15.4

Non PCT miles: 1

Total: 16.4 miles / 26.4 km

Total elevation gain: 2631

Total elevation loss: 2156

Steps: 39228

I thought I slept well last night but I must not have because I felt sluggish all day. Maybe the big miles the last two days are catching up with me or maybe I need to eat more. I packed up my tent and immediately had to cross Deep Creek. Because I thought I could see the bottom all the way and it didn’t look too deep I went bare foot to keep my shoes dry for the day. By about 1/2 way through I realized it was much deeper than I thought and eventually was waist deep in the cold water. Well I needed a shower anyways and I guess this kinda counts…

The weather remained cool and partially cloudy. Optimal hiking weather! I crossed paths with a hiker from New Zealand several times through the day. We both remarked how empty the trail has felt. I really feel this year will be known for its social isolation.

The trail goes around Lake Silverwood which is manmade and used to generate power and likely a reservoir. Before going up to the lake you pass maintenance facilities and a giant spillway and some road walking. The walk around the lake was beautiful. Had it been warmer I definitely would have gone for a swim. There was a short walk through an area that had been recently burned which had its own strange beauty to it.

Based on comments I had read on Far Out (app used by thru hikers) I had decided to camp at the Silverwood Lake Campground because you can use Uber Eats at this location and pizza sounded like an amazing idea. My new friend from New Zealand and two of her hiking friends joined in the adventure. It was nice to be with people tonight after being pretty much alone for the last three nights.

On the way to the campsite we were harassed by 5 stray dogs. Apparently they have been causing a lot of issues for various hikers because the Far Out guide has lots of comments about them.

Thankfully the trail wasn’t very challenging today because all day I was feeling quite tired. I think I’m going to need to slow my pace a little or I’ll end up in the Sierras way too early. The next big challenge is Mount Baden Powell that has a significant amount of snow on its peak and there is no way to bypass it. It’s warming up over the next few days so hopefully the conditions change.

The company tonight was great and the pizza really hit the spot.