PCT SECTION HIKE | DAY 9 Above Lyell Fork Bridge to Thousand Island Lake
Miles Hiked: 10.2 miles
Elevation: 1960 ft ascent | 1943 ft descent
It’s a new day.
The morning sun is shining. Everyone else was making hot breakfast, so I switched up my routine and made a hot mocha this morning. It meant a later start, but it wasn’t too long of a day.
The first goal of the morning was to cross the creek in order to start ascending Donahue Pass. It was close to knee-deep in some places, higher than last year. On my way up the first climb (towards the glacial melt tarn), I spotted my first pika of the hike. Unfortunately, my lens and filter were fogged from condensation, so I’m not sure how the pictures will turn out. Note to self: check lens + settings before hiking each morning.
Donahue Pass: the pass where you see everyone with their phones out because you finally get service! First service in 9 days. I sent a quick message to my mom, who was traveling, and a quick call to my dad to let him know how things were going.
The southern side of the pass is always gorgeous. Green, full of flowers, and this time tons of streams. Indian paintbrush (pink and red), lupine, and many others. I talked with a ranger named Spencer and had my permit checked for a second time.
After Donahue, the only real climb of the day is over Island Pass. Short and sweet with a gradual descent into Thousand Island. The top of the pass is green with flowers and lakes, much like the section just past Donahue. I always like getting into Thousand Island Lake early, as it can get very crowded at times. Two years ago I had to search for over an hour to find a spot that would fit my tent. This year was different. There was hardly anyone there. The spots I wanted were taken, but there were plenty more to choose from.
