PCT Day 79 – Smedberg Lake (969.7) to Wilma Lake (988.1)

June 22, 2026

Total PCT miles: 18.4

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 18.4 miles / 29.6 km

Total elevation gain: 4441 ft

Total elevation loss: 5737 ft

Steps: 46089

I knew today was going to be a long one just by looking at the map. There was a total of 4 significant PUDs (pointless ups and downs) to be hiked in order to get to our destination. With over 10000 ft of elevation change required over 18.4 miles my body was already sore just thinking about it and I hadn’t even taken the first step. Thankfully I still have plenty of Advil and Tylenol to power me through the day.

High Stakes and I left Smedberg lake at 0600 before anyone else was even moving in their tents. Our first decent of the day brought us down into an unnamed valley that has a very Jurassic Park kinda feel to it. If only there was a Tetradactyl that would come and pick us up to avoid the next climb. Crossing Piute creek involved taking our shoes off as neither of us wanted to attempt the stretchy log bridge. Throughout this part of the hike I think I saw 5 deer. The deer here seem a little more skidish when it comes to humans.

Climbing from here up to Seavey Pass (9129 ft) wasn’t too bad. I’m not sure why this is a named pass. There were no real views at the top but rather several small alpine lakes covered the next 2 miles.

From here we still had two more PUSs to complete. Both were rather steep with cobblestone stairs. To make it worse the sun was blazing hot and the only clouds were far off into the distance. For the last climb I decided to use my Sun Umbrella. I’m still carrying it but I can’t recall the last time I used it. Well over 300 miles ago at least.

Our final decent for the day was slow both of us completely worn out from the effort of the day. We had decided that if we found a campsite with less mosquitoes we would stop. Otherwise we would continue to Wilma lake. On the way down we heard coyotes howling. Hopefully they stay away from us to tonight. Well we are now camped at Wilma lake and the mosquitoes are not great. Normally they don’t bother me much but I’ve learned when one needs to dig a cat hole in the backcountry mosquitoes are very quick to take advantage.