Pacific Crest Trail
July, 2021. Ryan and Ilse both set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail separately. They bump into each other near Kodak Peak - and have walked many miles together ever since.
Bewondered and bewildered, we make our way through the deep forests of Washington and around the proud peaks of Oregon. Just before Crater Lake, we are stopped in our tracks by burning wildfires: California’s forests and parks are closed. It’s time for a new path.
Going South
Watch the full trail series on Youtube:
What is the Pacific Crest Trail?
One of the more famous long-distance hiking trails in the U.S.
The trail stretches 2650 miles across California, Oregon & Washington. It takes most hikers about 5 months to complete the trail. The trail is geographically diverse: Deserts, mountains, and forests are all part of the adventure.
It is a lot of walking, but it is worth every step. The trail is well-maintained, you meet many interesting people and stop along some pretty epic small towns.
Due to the wildfires, we hiked Washington & large chunks of Oregon. The rest of Oregon & California are still on the menu for the future…
Town Stops in Washington
Mazama: A true coming-home for hikers.
Stehekin: Ice-cold dips in the lake, organic farming and the best cinnamon buns on this planet.
Skykomish: Where the major is also the owner of the inn. Good icecream, cosy bars and precious people, proud of their train legacy.
Snoqualmie Pass & White Pass: Along the Highway, nestled in between mountains, beer brewed with dedication.
Trout Lake: A most-beloved stop with the dearest trail angels and kindest people all around.
Packwood: Charming Highway town with every amenity you could ever need. Excellent brewery.
Forget about the weather forecast; what's the BIGFOOT forecast like?
Pristine Olallie Lake Resort
Paddeling for only $15. Go and support the best resort in the Wild West.
Town Stops in Oregon
Cascade Locks: The famous Bridge of the Gods takes you from Washington to Oregon. Also, the lowest point of the PCT. If you can, try not to miss the festivities of PCT Days. A gathering of trail angels, hikers, vagabonds, and brands.
Timberline Lodge: First-class breakfast buffet, haunted corridors & the axe of Jack Nicholson. All in all, worth the stop!
Ollalie Lake Resort: Do yourself a favour and rent a canoe for the evening. And buy a bottle of wine. And enjoy the most incredible sunsets.
Big Lake Youth Camp: The Scouts leave camp in late summer.
Bend: 1 word: Bookstores.
Sisters: 2 words: Nachos & Ponderosa Pines. (Ok, 3 words)
Elk Lakes Resort: Burgers on the patio.
Shelter Cove Resort: Peace & Serenity.
Going into Diamond Peak Wilderness Area, we encountered beautiful, snowy tableaus… But more snow was expected, and the traveling would go slow. We accepted the coming of winter, said goodbye to the PCT & went back out. Aloha & until next time!
