PCT SOBO DAY 31 – Hi, Oregon!

Day 31

Home: Cascade locks, Mile 505.8

END: Indian Springs Trail Junction, Mile 525.1

Walked miles: 14.5 miles, 19.3 miles of path

There is always much to do while in the city. This time, I chose not to get to everything. After chatting with janitor for a while while laundry was in process, I published some blog posts before putting my things again for this next section.

Today I would mark the beginning of my trip through Oregon. I had never been in Oregon before and I really don’t know anything about it, so I was excited to experience the State for the first time. All I heard was that it was relatively easy to make bigger miles, so I wanted to test that.

Before leaving, Sun and I took a last lunch before separating. I was sad to lose my friend. Walking with someone and sharing the trip can be fun. Although I tend to want to follow my own rhythm, I think that committing to be able to share the trip with another person can be worth it. I planned to catch up with Sun again after my zero days with janitage in Bles.

After lunch, Sun and I said goodbye under the bridge of the gods and started along the Eagle Creek alternative. The paved road rolled up just below the road, the bushes of Mora splashing the path of the sides. Nobos died, about to enter his last city before Washington. Just when I turned to follow the path while moving away from the road. An interesting sign caught my attention: the salmon farm. Rectangular channel rows and rows stopped next to each other. Looking at one of them, I could see hundreds of small salmon, all together. Very good! I wondered how great they would be for when the rest of the nobles came here.

After the farm, I started the soft climb along the stream. The hot sun warmed me quickly, making me ready for the incredible swimming holes that Faraout promised. I had to walk a few miles and spend more hikers one day than I had seen anywhere else on the road, but I finally got to a perfect place. Hidden under a bridge, the stream was wide and deep, which made a quiet and slowly moving to take a dip. A sobo couple who had not met before had already entered and was eating a snack.

«Is water pleasant?» I asked.

«Oh, it’s perfect,» the boy replied, «a little great, but perfect.»

I took a while to immerse my whole body, but when I did, I didn’t want to leave. It really was perfect! The water was so clear that I could see the fish swimming around my ankles. There was enough sunlight to heat the air, and I could feel that inflammation in my body melted.

I must have stayed in the water for about 20 minutes. When I left and put my clothes again, I regretted not spending even more time. Even so, I ate a snack and talked to the couple. They had begun at the same time that they met him in Lion’s Den. I guess it’s a small world along the way!

As much as I would like to stay, there was more trace to walk. I said my farewells and continued. The next attraction was Tunnel Falls, a waterfall that flows on a rock tunnel through which the path crosses. He did not disappoint! The strength of water generated a fresh and brumatic breeze that arciris threw in the sunlight. It was magical.

Soon, I only had 5 miles, but they were steep, especially the last two. I felt that I was back in the AT. I fought for the climb, but I reached the top just after 8 pm. Fortunately, my camp and my water source were just where the climb ended, so I didn’t have to go further to the camp.

There were several tents, but they were all hidden. While my dinner sprouted, he put on the sun, leaving me to pack my food near darkness. Even so, I was happy to have been able to complete my camp tasks and get on the store before needing my lighthouse. Today was a great first introduction to Oregon. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the state brings!

And that is a day in the life of a PCT Sobo hiker!

This website contains affiliate links, which means that the walk can receive a percentage of any product or service that you buy using the links in the items or ads. The buyer pays the same price that would do it differently, and his purchase helps to support the continuous objective of the walk to address his quality backpack advice and information. Thanks for your support!

For more information, visit the page about this site.