PCT SECTION HIKE | DAY 18 Piute Creek Bridge to Evolution Lake
Miles Hiked: 11.5 miles
Elevation: 3089 ft ascent | 286 ft descent
It's an uphill kind of day. Basically no downhill, some gradual uphill, and two big switchback sections.
We started the day with some clouds in the sky. Storms are expected through Thursday at least (which as I am writing this before bed, is apparently today). Jill and Sharon left bright and early at 0600. Pao and Christian closer to 0700, and me soon after. Devin, Lauren, JP, and Jen left sometime after that.
The first few miles out of Piute Creek are fairly flat with some gradual uphill. The trail follows along the river, winding around rocks and through sections of forest. After crossing back over the river (via bridge), the trail climbs rapidly up switchbacks into Evolution Valley. I met up with Lauren and JP at the creek crossing, along with many other hikers taking a mid-morning break and snack. Evolution Creek was higher than last year, just under my knees this time (last year it was barely ankle depth)—still lower than most years. I switched into my Bedrocks and crossed with ease. I decided to continue hiking in my Bedrocks, as it was supposed to rain.
As I made my way through the valley, clouds grew thicker. I planned to stop soon after the ranger station, where I had stopped the previous year. Mother Nature had other plans. Drops of rain turned to a downpour. I met Lynn around McClure Meadows and we hiked together for a mile or so before parting ways. The rain continued for a little while longer. I destroyed the cheap poncho I got at Red’s Meadow. I plan to wrap it over the top of my pack for a little extra protection (my pack is water-resistant, but not seam-sealed).
Then came the second set of switchbacks. Up up up to Evolution Lake. Devin passed by about halfway up. As I approached the lake, blue sky could be seen over the mountains. I soon saw Lauren, Devin, Jill, Sharon, Paola, and Christian, and found a spot to set up my tent on the peninsula. We were welcomed with some sun for a few hours, enough to do some chores, enjoy the water, plan for the coming days, and explore.
Later that evening, I decided to walk around the hill to the outlet of the lake. Fish were jumping out of the water all over the place. I followed the trail and was greeted with the outlet’s waterfall and a view down into the valley we had just hiked through. The sky was pink, orange, and red as the sun set behind the mountains.
The once clear sky just before sunset quickly turned to clouds. Dark and thick, threatening a night of rain. A cold wind started just after 9:00, shaking the walls of our tents. Lightning flashed in the dark sky. Thunder boomed. Then the rain started. It lasted until around midnight.
“It never rains at night in the Sierra.” Times are changing, dad.