July 30, 2021 Bus from Hood River to Cascade Locks

PCT mile 2148 -2167 (19)

We caught an early bus (still only 1$! Wow) from Hood River to Cascade Locks. We hiked back up to the PCT trailhead and across the Bridge of the Gods into Washington. We were so early that there was little traffic on the bridge, but we can imagine it’s a bit stressful during busy commute hours. The few cars that passed us were certainly not going 15 mph - posted speed limit. There’s no pedestrian walkway, just a sign instructing PCT hikers to face the oncoming traffic.

The bridge is a metal grill that allows viewing of the water ~100 feet below. It was a fun start to our last PCT section hike in Washington.

Remainder of the day was far less fun! The weather was hot and humid and the first five miles of the trail was overgrown with poison oak! A dance to avoid. Hot and miserable. We met the hiker ‘wrong way’ again - this time going the right way. Last time we saw him was after we the Forrester Pass in the Sierras. He said Viking and Sunrise are a bit ahead of us. We would love to cross Pass with those two again. We also met several SOBO hikers, which we are getting used to now. South-bound PCT hikers generally start their hike from the Canadian border terminus in late June or early July. They all look so healthy and clean! We passed a 500 mile (remaining for NOBOs, completed for SOBOs) marker on the side of the trail.

We camped on a small hill above Rock Creek. Water was so cold it ached and it was clear! Delicious. Saw a few fish and bright green rocks (what are they?) everywhere. Very glad we arrived early and snagged the site. All other sites were quickly taken.

Several weekend backpackers already settled in (it’s Friday night and easy access from nearby trailhead/parking lot) and only 5:00 PM, but we expect a few more SOBOS to show up. Yes, two more came up the hill to our tent site area - one hammock and one squeezed in 3 feet away. Tough finding a place when so few sites are available near a water source.