Bushcamp to Echo Lake Chalet
41.1 miles
Sobo mile 1560.3
Total mileage 4212.9
I woke at 3am to get an early start on the long day ahead that would bring me to South Lake Tahoe. The dark predawn hours flew by as I made my way into the Desolation Wilderness.
I caught a great sunrise with a glimpse of Lake Tahoe in the distance.
As the day progressed I weaved my way up through woodlands towards Dick Pass, which would be the highest point on the PCT since beginning my southern journey.
I passed a handful of lakes that had been frozen last time I’d seen them on my approach to the pass.
By 1pm I’d ascended Dicks Pass, and began my long descent towards Echo Lake.
I passed another group of lakes before breaking at Aloha Lake to hope in for a bath. It’s been quite some time since I’d bathed or laundered my clothes, so it felt good to get some of the grime off.
Feeling somewhat fresher, I banged out the last 9 miles to Echo Lake Chalet.
My friend Summer, who is one of the many incredible people I’ve met while hiking the trail, lives in Tahoe. She welcomed me to Tahoe with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, fitting I know, and took me to Sushi Pier to feast on all you can eat sushi!
Once I’d had all the rice and raw fish that I could stand, we swung by the grocery store so I could grab a two day resupply.
Finally, she dropped me back off at the Echo Lake Chalet by 10pm. Absolutely exhausted, I pitched my tent behind the chalet and crashed hard.
P.s. Shout out to the great and powerful Summer for making my brief stint in Tahoe a rememberable one!
Lookin good. Still with you every step of the way. Sooooo glad you are feeling better. Makes hike so much more fun. Pics are still amazing. Take care. Lv u G
I’m glad I’m feeling better too! Heading to Phoenix right now for my buddies wedding, looking forward to a few days of rest!
Glad that you appear to be feeling better. Thanks for enduring and keeping up with the stories and pictures! I’m very fond of the Tahoe section and was excited to hear about the Echo Lake section today. That’s where I took the family hiking when we there in June. We thought it was neat to see all the cottages on the edge of the lake, accessible only by boat! Did you by chance take the water taxi?!
ps – thanks for the tip on The Sinner! We are HOOKED and are watching the last 2 episodes tonight.
It’s such a neat section! The water taxi was closed for the season, so it was a no go. Did y’all ride it?
And glad to hear you dig Sinner! It’s a crazy story!
Sounds like you are in the clear if you make it through Forester Pass before the snow arrives
If the weather keeps being this incredible for the next week I’ll be solid!