July 27, 2021 PCT Mile 2211 to 2237.4 PCT miles 25.6

This hiking day came in three distinct segments.

The first involved a long high ridge walk where hundreds of huge trees had been all blown across the trail due to a wind storm. The western side the Mt. Hood National Forest suffered extensive and severe damage as a result of the historic 2020 Labor Day windstorm that brought down tens of thousands of trees and fueled wildfires across the Cascades.  Crews had just recently been in the area working and managed to open the trail through hundreds of trees. A huge effort!! Only about 2-3 dozen trees required scrambling. As it was we were very tired and dirty after climbing up/down/under/over many enormous logs. We were rewarded with ripe blueberries lining the trail and return of beautiful wildflowers.

The second part of today’s hike was along a side trail (Eagle Creek) to avoid the worst of blown down trees. Prior to starting this section we met a couple of SOBO hikers who warned us about the blow downs ahead - “Take the alternate!” We did.

The Eagle Creek hike was a very steep downhill through yet another burn zone. After hiking on the PCT for so many miles we realized that we had taken it for granted. It is generally very nicely graded. On this side trail hike (non-PCT) we had to stop numerous times to re-tighten shoe laces because our toes were hitting the end of our shoes. Rarely have we had to tighten shoe laces on the PCT - Sierra section excepted.

The final hiking of the day was through the Eagle Creek Gorge. It was thrilling (and a bit strange after so much heat and dry hiking miles) to see, hear and feel so much water rushing through the gorge and out to the Columbia River. Tunnel Falls was amazing! A must see. Chris walked into and out of the tunnel a few times because she said it felt like a shower…

We passed the first listed campsite in Guthook and saw it was already filled with several tents - thru-hikers . Kept hiking a few more miles and spotted a beauty - a flat site that could fit our 4-person tent right next to the river. And no one was there! Best way to end the day. Break out the tequila!