August 1
Mile 2121.4-2159.3 (18.9 +15.5 via Eagle Creek Trail)
I woke up feeling so good. Mt. Hood in front of me, glowing in the pre-dawn light. I packed up quickly and hiked out on the loamy trail. It felt just like last night, breezy and very quiet.
I took the Eagle Creek Trail alternate. Went down a steep dirt path for a few miles until I hit Eagle Creek. So many waterfalls, swimming holes. High Tunnel Falls the obvious highlight. I rounded the corner and stood in awe.
The number of day hikers increased as I got closer to the road. The Gorge Trail led me to a paved road that was considered a scenic highway in the very early days of automobiles. Vastly prettier than the new highway.
Then I was in Cascade Locks, staring at the wide and mighty Columbia River and the big metal Bridge of the Gods. I got lunch and coffee before I crossed over to Washington. Belly full, I walked to the toll booth and asked if I could cross. The bridge is narrow and has no pedestrian crossing. As I crossed, I looked at the river below me through the wide metal grates. It was windy and I held onto my hat.
Washington!
I crossed the road and found the trail again. Everything was green and rich, dazzling. My last state! These beautiful mountains! I felt giddy.
I made my way up and up and up, feeling no rush. I had my sights set on another peaceful ridge campsite and plenty of time to get there before dark. I marveled at the new conifers and ate blackberries and raspberries.
There was someone at the campsite, but they were amenable to my cowboy camping in a nearby semi-flat spot. He was soon asleep and I stretched and stared off at the dusky horizon, the dark colors of sunset, the emerging stars.
Head for the hills 
THERE’s Claudia – we’ve been looking for you!
Congratulations! You have traveled a very long way and I hope you enjoy the scenic beauty of my state. It can be simply breathtaking. Looking forward to your thoughts and comments as you travel.
Way to go!! I love your blog. Keep pressing on. You are an inspiration. Thanks for the beautiful scenery.
Welcome to Washington! I’ll be doing part of the PCT as I hike the Naches Loop trail about noon after enjoying Tipsoo Lake this Sat. (tomorrow). Maybe I’ll run into you!!
After obtaining my Volcano Pass for a solo ascent of Mt Adams, I see a hitchhiker with a backpack and I assume she must be going to the same trailhead as I. I never pick up hitchhikers but she has a backpack and climbers/hikers help each other! She immediately apologizes for her smell upon which I mention that I have Anosmia (no sense of smell)! Lol! I find out she is not climbing Adams but going to the PCT trailhead in Troutlake, Wa on Thursday, August 4 about noon. I have time and agree to get her there. We talk mostly about the PCT, but also about farming, gear, dangers, scenery, stress fractures,… Best conversation I’ve had in a while! She looked strong and healthy although a bit sunburned; she was in great spirits and excited to be so close to finishing; and thankful for the ride. Before wishing her well I asked if she needed anything (she didn’t), we took the mandatory selfie, and then she headed off… Take care and have a wonderful rest of your trip! Cheers!!!–Henry Petitgirard
After obtaining my Volcano Pass for a solo ascent of Mt Adams, I see a hitchhiker with a backpack and I assume she must be going to the same trailhead as I. I never pick up hitchhikers but she has a backpack and climbers/hikers help each other! She immediately apologizes for her smell upon which I mention that I have Anosmia (no sense of smell)! Lol! I find out she is not climbing Adams but going to the PCT trailhead in Troutlake, Wa on Thursday, August 4 about noon. I have time and agree to get her there. We talk mostly about the PCT, but also about farming, gear, dangers, scenery, stress fractures,… Best conversation I’ve had in a while! She looked strong and healthy although a bit sunburned; she was in great spirits and excited to be so close to finishing; and thankful for the ride. Before wishing her well I asked if she needed anything (she didn’t), we took the mandatory selfie, and then she headed off… Take care and have a wonderful rest of your trip! Cheers!!!
Thanks again for the ride! Hope you had a good time climbing Mt. Adams!