PCT Day 94 – Upper Tamarack Lake (1206.5) to PCT Mile 1231.6

July 7, 2026

Total PCT miles: 25.1

Non PCT miles: 0

Total: 25.1 miles / 40.4 km

Total elevation gain: 4754 ft

Total elevation loss: 4734 ft

Steps: 58989

Some days on the Pacific Crest Trail are defined by milestones. You cross a famous pass, reach a round number on the mileage marker, or arrive in a trail town you’ve been looking forward to for days.

And then there are days like today.

No famous landmarks. No dramatic river crossings. No big celebration waiting at the end of the day. Just 25 miles of walking north.

Oddly enough, these are the days that make up the majority of a thru-hike. They remind me that this journey isn’t really about chasing milestones. It’s about embracing the routine. Wake up. Pack up camp. Walk. Eat. Take in the views. Walk some more. Listen to podcasts. Find a place to sleep. Repeat.

It’s amazing how something so simple can become so rewarding.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve stopped measuring the success of a day by whether something extraordinary happened. Instead, success is another day moving north, another sunset from my tent, another conversation with fellow hikers, and another reminder that progress doesn’t always need to be dramatic.

The highlight of the day was definitely the pit toilet at the Packsaddle Campground. Runner up would be the multiple cold spring water points on this very hot day.

The final push today was exceptionally steep and I was carrying extra water as I would be dry camping. By the time I got to the top I was ready to collapse into my tent for the night.

Tomorrow, the trail continues north.