PCT SECTION HIKE | DAY 19 Evolution Lake to Big Pete’s Meadow
Miles Hiked: 12.2 miles
Elevation: 1389 ft ascent | 3002 ft descent
Sleep was minimal, but at 0530 I was up as usual. Jill and Sharon were out early, JP and Jen soon after. Across the lake, there are deer and a few fawns jumping about. The lighting is amazing here in the morning. I follow along the shore of Evolution Lake, gradually climbing as I make my way to the back section of the lake. Slowly, hikers are drying out and packing up after the nights’ storm.
A long rock-hop brings me across Evolution Lake Inlet, then the trail continues along the creek until Sapphire Lake, blue as can be. Surrounded by rock slabs and boulders, the trail is completely exposed. Gradually I make my way up to Wanda Lake, named after one of John Muir’s daughters. The trail becomes rocks, sometimes large and difficult to walk on. Then comes the final climb up to the pass. Approximately half a mile of switchbacks to get to the hut. Storm clouds were rolling in, but no thunder, lightning, or rain in sight. I met Lauren, and Devin at the top.
After a few pictures, we started the long descent to Big Pete’s Meadow. A few switchbacks down, we spot a coyote that stepped onto the trail no more than 15 feet in front of us. It was on the hunt, staring down the switchbacks then darting down. The landscape begins to change as we make our way past Helen Lake. Rock steps and ankle breaker rocks, small enough to try and walk on, but large enough to make you watch your feet.
We had lunch at one of the small lakes, finishing just before it started to rain. Trainwreck joined us for a short while. Down down down. Constantly watching our feet as to not trip, with the occasional glance at the views around us. A few miles before camp, we found Jill, Sharon, Paola, and Christian hiding out from the rain and eating lunch under some trees. We all made our way down the last few miles to the JMT rock monster, which was about a mile from camp. We took a few pictures, then booked it for camp as it started to rain once again. We got in about 1500 and found JP already set up.
We ate an early dinner and were joined by a curious young deer that decided to hang around camp. Then an early bedtime, the skies still gloomy and threatening to rain.
Our plans for tomorrow: the Golden Staircase and Lower Palisades Lake. Apparently, there is a 70% chance of rain.
