Bolt to the Border

Oregon; a blur of beauty.

Through the burn scars, blowdowns, forests, mosquitos, lake resorts, peaks, butterflies, and crystal clear water- I learned so much about myself, my limits, and this long trail I walk on every single day.

I began the “2 week Oregon challenge” after Ashland once I had to split from my trail family. I begin college in August, so I do unfortunately have to go back to normal life at some point (sad but true). I am so thankful I got to cross the border with my tramily… but now it’s time for me to prove to myself that I can do this solo!

Not gonna lie, it was hard, but I did the stretch within my 14 day goal! Mentally, physically, and even emotionally it was difficult, but I am proud and pleased that I set that goal for myself!

Here is my Oregon overview!

Day 1: Miles 1693-1713 (20 miles)

First day in a new state WOOHOO! We had a yoga break in the morning after our late night push to the border, enjoyed the wildflowers, and even found some surprise trail magic soda! This was my last night on trail with my tramily so I tried to soak it all in as much as possible. I especially our dinner break where we compared how gnarly our feet looked… ya know, normal dinner conversations.

Day 2: Miles 1713-Ashland (6 miles)

We had a short walk to the highway in the morning where we got a hitch from the trail angel “chanterelle” who took us into Ashland! We met up with old and new friends, I spent 3 or more hours at the post office because of the giant amount of hikers in this bubble, got all my resupply done, and spent the night at the Ashland Commons which was a fantastic hostel in town!

Day 3: Ashland Zero (the first and last Oregon zero)

It was the 4th of July which made for the most perfect zero! We watched the diverse and entertaining street parade, saw some live music in the park, ate yummy street food, and ended the night with a big potluck dinner with hikers in town! Such a fun way to celebrate the 4th on trail!

Day 4: Miles 1720-1751 (31 miles)

The day I had to say goodbye to the fam:( It was a stunning day with so many wildflowers and moderate terrain! Ended the day with a colorful sunset full of all color ranges of yellow, orange, and pink as I rolled into camp at a lake where I got my first taste of the lovely mosquitos which overtake Oregon…

Day 5: Miles 1751-1782 (31 miles)

Today was my longest mileage day on trail! I got trail magic midday from a company called public lands which was such a lovely surprise when crossing the road! A couple miles of this day were on volcanic rock which was a cool change of terrain, although generally unpleasant on the feet. The mosquitos persisted, but I began to realize that if I just kept walking and didn’t stop until I dove into my tent at the end of the day…they aren’t so bad!

Day 6: Miles 1782-1822 (41 miles)

This was my biggest mileage day on trail and WOWZA it was a challenge but super fun overall. I ascended and descended through forests, burn scars, snow, dirt, downed trees, and eventually found myself 10 minutes before closing time at Crater Lake. As I was informed that dinner was no longer being served, another hiker offered me half her vegan pizza, and that was 100% one of the highlights of the day. It was such a personal triumph to complete this goal of 40+ miles even though the whole day felt like an endless blur of the forest in my peripheral vision.

Day 7: Miles 1822- 1850 (18 miles, Rim Trail alternate)

Woke up in the designated PCT campground with TONS of other hikers, resupplied (the hiker box here was FANTASTIC), rode the shuttle up to Crater Lake, and then began the Rim Trail alternate hike! Crater Lake was unreal- the water was a shockingly vibrant blue, and the views were incredible no matter where I was located on the trail. Equipped with a bug suit kindly gifted from my friend earlier that day, I felt ready to take on anything this next section could throw at me! I hiked through some dusty miles in the afternoon and evening to ANOTHER instance of trail magic where we all cooked dinner together and shared some sodas that were brought in by a past hiker! It was an epic day.

Day 8: Miles 1850- 1879 (32 miles)

Awoken by the sun per usual, I started hiking by 5:30 am feeling refreshed after a shorter day yesterday. I experienced the “green tunnel” effect this day a whole lot. I decided to take a spur trail to one of the best lakes I have ever seen for lunch- it was turquoise, warm, and stunning with dragonflies and butterflies dancing around its shores. Quite a bit of snow in this area, which resulted in some bushwhacking and navigation to eventually get myself back on trail after losing it under miles of snow.

Day 9: Miles 1879- 1911 (27 miles on an alternate route)

I was really beginning to get in the groove of my new mileage and routine. I came upon Shelter Cove Resort around midday where I picked up my resupply package, got some food, and hung out for a bit with some other hikers congregated and resting on the porch. Hiking in to Shelter Cove was mostly in the forest, but eventually I came upon a river which the trail wound down towards and it was quite a beautiful change of pace to the endlessly similar forest tunnel. Ended the day with a couple miles out of Shelter Cove to a lovely lake! I try to camp near a lake every night if possible since Oregon has SO many!

Day 10: Miles 1911-1948 (37 miles)

The sunrise light on the lake as I crawled out of my tent was stunning this morning. Hiked the morning with a friend I had met in the desert on my second day which was a sweet reunion- I always love running into people I have met months previously. The afternoon led me through an apocalyptic looking burn zone which was honestly quite disheartening. The last miles of the day were mentally difficult- my feet were pounding, leg muscles screaming “stop!!!” to my brain, and my mind was telling me to be done, but determined to make to my goal for the day I persisted on. It’s always much more satisfying to go to sleep knowing you accomplished a goal, however monumental or not it may be.

Day 11: Miles 1948-1980 (32 miles)

Today was my lowest point mentally in Oregon- I just really didn’t want to keep going. The terrain was beautiful, but my body was just not having a good day. This is all part of the process, but it’s just so difficult when you are in the midst of it. Today was in the Three Sisters Wilderness which was beautiful to pass by the base of the 3 giant peaks. The wildflowers were also amazing through here! After a field of lava rocks, I ended up camping at a lake where I enjoyed/devoured my peanut butter ramen dinner (It’s like pad thai… don’t judge;) Days like these I just have to focus on the blessing and opportunity of this trip and try to find all the little joys in the day, whether it’s as small as a unique flower, or as striking as a snow capped peak.

Day 12: Miles 1980- 2000 (20 miles)

Motivation and joy restored after a solid night of sleep, I trekked on towards Big Lake Youth Camp. This summer camp was incredible- they have such kindness and hospitality towards PCT hikers. Got a care package from my family (SO SWEET), a meal shared with the staff there, and even a shower! The sun was shining, terrain was chill, and it was a good day.

Day 13: Miles 2000- 2031 (31 miles)

Back at it again with the big miles, but today FLEW by! I listened to an audiobook of “The Alchemist” (highly recommend). It talks about nature, and the rhythms/lessons of life and it was a beautiful experience to listen to it while being immersed in the nature around me. Lunch break was at the most GORGEOUS alpine lake with microscopic butterflies circling all around me. Hiking is so shockingly mental and the way that I approach my day is so dependent on my mindset- when I wake up with the intention of believing in myself/ my capabilities, it’s just all so much easier and simpler.

Day 14: Miles 2031- 2067 (36 miles)

The amount of dirt that was was crusted on my legs by the end of this day was absurd… I am literally becoming the trail day by day. Had an incredible view of Mount Jefferson today- it’s a strikingly beautiful peak! After an early afternoon winding down the trail through a burn zone, I took a quick break at Ollalie Lake Resort with a soda and the company of some other hikers. I tried to not get “vortexed” into staying there, because I still had quite a few miles to make! The evening was a blur of adrenaline and speed racing into camp! Today was a blast!

Day 15: Miles 2067- 2099 (32 miles)

I often get the most sleepless nights when I should be the most exhausted, and that was quite true of last night. This morning was magical (maybe because I found an unopened Bobo bar in the middle of the trail;) Such spectacular views as I had a big climb to the top of a pass. Today on trail there was an ultramarathon which created an extra element of fun (and maybe because I benefitted from an aid station with an Oreo/peanut butter/banana creation they had made;) I loved the energy and encouragement from the runners and it made for a solid day of motivation despite the climbing and heat of the day. I made it to Timberline Lodge this night and camped about 3 minutes from it on a shockingly windy ridge where I cowboy camped… big mistake.

Day 16: Miles 2099- 2117 (18 miles)

I spent a FREEZING night up there with my broken zipper sleeping bag/cowboy camp situation. It didn’t matter because I marched myself down to Timberline Lodge for the FAMOUS breakfast buffet and some steaming cups of coffee. None of us hikers fit in at all with the fancy attending lodge guests but we didn’t care one bit! Hiker trash life! Left afterwards for one of the most gorgeous parts of trail. This stretch looked like Switzerland with the wildflowers, vibrant colors, and mountain views. I hiked with some folks I met way back before the Sierras and we meandered to Ramona Falls that afternoon which was a cascading waterfall in a dense forest area- so stunning. Today felt easy, unhurried, and the excitement was through the roof as I was only a day away from that bridge.

Day 17: Miles 2117-2149 (32 miles)

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! I went through this day fueled by adrenaline to get to that bridge! Seeing a baby bear dart across the trail was a highlight of the morning! I took the popular alternate at the end of the day to see tunnel falls. SO COOL! It’s a waterfall where the trail goes through a cave behind the falls- highly recommend taking this route! I began to hear the roar of the highway as I knew the miles left were dwindling down. And then I finally made it, and walked across the Bridge of the Gods and into my final state of the PCT! My trail angel friend picked me up, and we went back to her place in Portland where I spent the night, got a much needed first zero in weeks, a shower, and some relaxation!

Not every day was fun, easy, or enjoyable to be completely honest. Some days were magical, and some were not. All in all, Oregon is fantastic, the trail terrain is moderate and flat, and the views are often beautiful! Some days it’s blowdowns, burn zones, and a green tunnel, but others it’s wildflowers, peak views, and fun times.

Adios Oregon, and HELLO WASHINGTON!!!!!!