Bushcamp to Cascade Locks
73.2 miles
Mile 2146.6
We woke up around 4am, giving us ample time to slam some breakfast and pack up before getting started. By 5 we were flying up the trail by the light of our headlamps, the challenge had begun!
The plan was to hike from 5am Tuesday morning to 5am Wednesday morning. During this time we hoped to make it the 73.2 miles into Cascade Locks, where we had a hotel room waiting. Our strategy was to take a 10 minute break every 3 hours, hiking at least 10 miles each 3 hour interval.
The first 3 hours melted away as we hiked past Timothy Lake and through lush green forest.
The following 3 hours came as easy as the first as we made our way through two wilderness areas.
The next three hours were interesting. The trail became sandy as hell as it pitched steeply upward towards Timberline Lodge, but the views were dope. We were bummed to skip the legendary buffet that the lodge featured in The Shining offers, but I guess I can still try it on my way back south. From the lodge the trail roller coastered up and down, so our pace slowed a bit.
The next three hours were more of the same.
Twelve hours in, we’d already hiked over 40 miles, so decided to treat ourselves to a whole 20 minutes worth of rest. I took this time to add a couple Breakfast Essentials and some coffee packets to my water for a much needed energy boost before pushing on.
Having hiked nearly 50 miles, we took our final break before sunset. Surprisingly, both of us still felt great. Once we started hiking again, we enjoyed an epic sunset as we navigated a mountain ridge.
At 11 we stopped to top off our bottles at a lake, trying not to disturbed the group of hikers camped there. Continuing on in the dark, we saw a cool salamander before entering a burned section of trail.
By 2am we were feeling rather delirious. Fueled by coffee packets and protein bars, I was looking forward to being done. We’d hiked well over 60 miles, and had just over 6 miles left until Cascade Locks. Unfortunately, the trail continued to degrade as we began a seemingly endless descent down to the Columbia River, which sits at an elevation of under 100 ft. The trail was rocky and uneven as we descended thousands of feet towards the city lights below.
Well before 5am we arrived at Cascade Locks! 73.2 miles in 23 hours and 16 minutes! The tiny town was still sleeping as we padded slowly through its dimly lit streets. We’d booked a room at the Columbia Gorge Inn, but the office wouldn’t be open until 7am, so we parked ourselves on a bench out front and waited. At 6am the diner next door opened, so we swung by to feast on some breakfast. We both ordered omelets, it was delicious.
After paying our bill, I swung by the grocery store to grab some snack food before heading to our room. Thankful that we were able to check in early, we both showered before passing out in the awesomely comfy bed.
P.s. Shout out to Hobbes and Roger for adding some monetary incentive to our 24 hour challenge! I can’t thank y’all enough for the support you’ve so generously doled out through my adventure!
Cheers!
You guys are nuts. Zero day earned!
Bravo! Talk about eating miles for a midnight snack! I think a previous poster who wanted you to keep an eye out for Darwin was actually stating that in a survival-of-the-fittest match, you’d win. She may be right.
Is that the Guthook app? I downloaded but haven’t used it yet. How has the GPS been along the trail? Curious to know if you’re ever too remote for it to work.
Are you going to the border and turning around, or are you doing the last leg inside Canada before coming back?
Yup, Guthook is incredible. The GPS has worked great pretty much everywhere. There were a couple times in the Sierra that it didn’t work, but other than that it’s been solid. The trail ends at the Canadian border, so I’ll turn around there. The reason people hike to Manning Park in Canada is because it’s closer to civilization than retracing your steps southward.
I just read that “PCT Trail Days” takes place on Aug 19 in Cascade Locks where you’re staying. You might have time to make it to Canada and back in time to enjoy the festival!
Dude I’m totally going!
Austin And Paige (Spikes),
Certifiable – nuts!
I am exhausted just looking at all those endless footpaths up and up, down and down, on and on.
You guys are incredible – 24 hour hike and now Austin is planning southbound PCT afterwards, without your trusty companion which must make it a lot tougher. (repeat of first line)
Talking about Paige (Spikes) – what are your thoughts on the PCT? Better or worse than you imagined? Would you do something like this again?
News from the World : England did not make it to the World Cup Final, lost to Croatia 2-1 after extra time in the semis, France – Croatia in the final. Tough news, but England played well, not as good as Croatia. – Going for Croatia in the final.
I am currently watching Tennis at Wimbledon 5th set Andersen (RSA) vs Isner(USA) score 17-17 in tie-breaker – it goes on forever just like the PCT.
Thanks for all the great photos and narrative.
Great job….
John
Congratulations!
Truly epic!
Now for gorgeous Washington.
Yes, don’t miss the Timberline on the way back. 😋
Thanks!
Wow. A big hug and kiss to you both. 74 miles in 24 hours and you are still on your feet. Very happy and proud of you two. Good sleep and rest. Your blog did not make the odessy seem so difficult and pics are as usual awesome.
Lv u BOTH!
73 is very impressive; I knew of course you would both easily blow past 60. Was Roger smart enough – unlike me – to put in a ceiling?
Re: SOBO solamente
My wife reminded me I have never failed to come home from one of my hiking trips at least a day early. Even if it’s required an all day off-trail death march from the middle of the Sierra and then long drive back to OC.
Once you can (physically) do the miles, the social game comes into play. Especially if your partner-in-crime is missing.
Hobbes – I don’t know you but I know I’m way smarter than you. I capped my donation for the 24 hour challenge. Haha. Your contribution was WAY more generous.
These two never fail to impress. Their cheerful attitude is contagious.
When I’m in my office hunched over my computer screen I jump in for a few minutes and experience the PCT, sans skeeters.
Be well.
LOL – definitely much smarter. I was thinking high 60s. Then Austin mentioned Paige was also trying, so naturally I had to include her as well.
But the deal was the miles they did together. That is, if Austin bonked, and Paige was capable of continuing, it was the joint miles over 60.
That being said, I don’t mind supporting those who share similar, positive ideals.
Well said.
I’m sure Austin will give you another opportunity SOBO.
Awesome! Well done! The buffet at Timberline Lodge is incredible… but be careful, food coma ahead! Great to hear you’ll try to yo-yo the PCT… that’s definately a once in a lifetime opportunity plus you can see the snowfree sierras!
Oh and by the way, you should hike up Eagle Creek once you’re on your way back. It’s steep as hell but worth every step.
But for now all the best for the last part of the first half of your journey. 😉
-Sasquatch
Hey Sasquatch! Thanks! I’m really looking forward to the buffet! I’ve heard incredible things. I think I’m looking forward to the Sierra most of all…it was hard to enjoy it the first time as it felt like everything was trying to kill me! Cheers!
Austin,
Some people binge watch Netflix shows over the weekend, I however binge read your entire blog. I just couldn’t put my phone down. Thank you so much for sharing the adventure with all of us.
Jon, Claire (Spikes newest cousin) and I are rooting you guys on every step of the way!
Looking forward to your next posts. Stay safe.
Heather, (Spikes Cousin-in-Law)
Wow, that’s crazy. My arrival in Cascade Locks was slightly more relaxed!
Austin,
Loved the pics in this blog…the various shades of green, gps reading, hiking by headlamps, odd looking flowers, sun rise and sun set and constantly changing scenery on the trail, and of course my two fav hikers! Thank you taking us with you on this incredible adventure!
xoxo
mom