On 8/6/2024, at 2:03pm, after 1692.7 miles, we officially walked out of California and into Oregon! California dominates the PCT, in comparison Oregon is 455.2 miles long and Washington is 505.7 miles.
Crossing the border into a new state was surreal, even after waking up and walking 12 + hours a day for over 100 consecutive days, it’s hard to comprehend that we have walked this distance. I have such a respect for my body and gained confidence in what Kyle and I are physically capable of doing.
We had multiple animal encounters this section. We spooked a juvenile black bear which galloped down the mountain, crossing the trail approximately 100 feet in front of us, leaping and bounding down the steep hillside right in front of us. It was alarming to see the bear move with such agility, dodging trees and rocks as he went, especially as I have only ever seen them scavenging for berries before. Black bears can run up to 35 MPH!
Three nights ago, we also had some nighttime visitors to our cliff side camp spot. I awoke at 3am to some tussling outside our tent. Something BIG was outside. I nudged Kyle who quick got out his headlight. Upon seeing the bright beam, the animals took off and we were briefly surrounded by hooves. We initially thought some free range cows were grazing by us, but later heard the high pitch bugling and saw elk droppings/ tracks, which confirmed that we actually had an elk herd grazing outside of our tent.
We hiked through Seiad Valley, home of the Pancake Challenge. Two hours to eat 5 pancakes each measuring 11 inches in diameter, and 1.25 inches thick! The meal costs 40$ but is free if you finish. Reportedly, there is only 5 finished in history since the challenge started in 2002. Kyle was ready for this, however we the restaurant closes at 2 and we arrived to town after 19 miles at 2:07pm!! Guess we’ll have to make a return trip in the future!!
Other highlights from this section include passing the 1,600 and 1,700 mile markers, but more importantly Kyle finally mailed home his BEAR CANISTER!
Next stop, Crater Lake!
