What a day! We didn’t expect it to be so epic but by trying to get the miles done we ended up completing some of the most challenging miles on the PCT!
We had a leisurely start to the day, enjoying the campground amenities. The night was quiet despite the many people around and after the smoke from the ever-present campfires subsided … I have never understood the obsession with campfires! Someone was actually chopping wood at 5:40am!
We finally got into the famous Goat Rocks Wilderness! It started with a long climb up to Nannie Ridge, to rejoin the PCT.
The views opened up soon to show rugged peaks across the valley.
There is plenty of water around here and we were able to refill in beautiful lakes and streams.
Then we started another climb, this time to Cispus Pass. It was another sunny day today; slowly we were getting more tired. But the views were great!
The wildflowers are amazing right now!
The views across the valley and ahead of us were gorgeous!
There was also random rock art along the trail …
We knew there was a snowfield ahead at the top of the next climb, with an alternate route that climbed up Old Snowy Mountain.
Reports from people varied, and we weren’t sure whether we should do the snowfield or the extra climb.
Since it was afternoon and by now 4pm, we tried the snowfields. We had to be careful but it wasn’t too slippery. Just ahead of us a rock avalanche came down the slope so we really wanted to get across quickly. We thought that was the worst part … snow and scree. But we didn’t know that the famous Knife’s Edge lay ahead!
Somehow I was certain this was north of White Pass. Instead we had to drag our tired bodies over this very exposed and windy ridge, with scary traverses and slippery loose rocks. Just try to follow the trail in the pictures! I didn’t like getting blown around by the wind on top of that spine so couldn’t wait to get down again.
We finally arrived in camp st 7pm. Hungry! Our campsite is just next to the first trees, the wind is still blowing and it might be a cold night. By doing 15 miles today we only have 15 left tomorrow to White Pass. We both can’t wait for a bed and salad and extra food!!
Please consider leaving a comment on any of the posts … that way I see you were part of the journey when I go back to these posts in the future!
Scree, yuk. I hope that’s the last of it on the trail. Love the wildflowers, pictures just don’t do it justice and your pictures are beautiful.
Thanks Susan! I doubt it was the last of the screw 🙂 but hopefully more flowers too. Just beautiful right now when you get out of the forest!
Biggi you are amazing! You must have legs (and buns) of steel at this point! Your photos are spectacular. The air must be so fresh there!
Clear air, no fires and yes, I think the legs are working well at this point!
Amazing views. And I love the wildflower meadows.
Sooo many flowers right now. Hard to get it all into a picture 🙂
Spectacular photos and scenery. Looks like most of the trail is in really good shape, at least where there is a trail.
Yes. Mostly. In the trees it’s soft and well groomed. Some sections are very loose, lots of scree and lava.
Grieving Ridge…one false step and you’ll be grieving.
You hit the nail on the head! Thanks for reading the blog!
I’m glad you had company too !!–Wonderful flowers –Wonderful everything
Thanks Joyce! Yes the views and flowers 💐 are amazing!
I’m sure you were happy to have some company as you crossed the Knife Edge. It would have been even more scary if you were by your self. Glad you made it through safely.
Mel
I was definitely glad to have company! The strong winds on the exposed parts were no fun for me …
Epic day and scenery!!
So epic! And scary 🙂