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August 3, 2026

PCT - Best for Last

Mt. Rainier from Goat Rocks Wilderness

Despite everything, the PCT apparently still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Some of the best sections of the whole trail have been here, so close to the end. Saving the best for last.

A typical section of Washington trail

This section, despite being beautiful, has been a lot of long days with a massive amount of climbing. Cumulative fatigue is taking its toll. I’m tired. My brain is struggling to form full sentences. So this week will be mostly photos.

After 2,300 miles I finally started seeing bears
Goat Rocks
Absolutely massive mushrooms here
Glacier on Mt. Adams
Waterfall in Goat Rocks
Precipitation leads to fungi, every color of the rainbow
This dumbass walked within 18 inches of where I was sleeping
Rare sighting - a blaze with the old PCT logo
There is still snow even now
It’s peak wildflower season now

Only one or two of these updates remain. I have 200 miles until the end. SOBO hikers warn me there are some very rugged, unmaintained sections ahead. But that they are also beautiful.

MAC

Milk&cigarettes


Absolutely fantastic vibe in this place

I’m staying at the Washington Alpine Club in Snoqualmie Pass, and their library is amazing. Full of old issues of The Mountaineer and American Alpine Journal, back to the 1930s. They even had a first edition copy of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.

“the freedom” is basically the bible of skills for anyone serious about being out in the mountains
Can’t imagine hiking in the 1930s. How did they survive without dyneema?

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