PCT Day 117: Eagle Creek to Cascade Locks

Daily Miles: 21.9, Total Miles: 2155.0

I smelled smoke first thing in the morning and suspected it’s from the Dalles fire east of here. Hiking along Waucoma Ridge, a great panorama of Mts St Helens, Adams and now Rainier. Ate quite a few thimbleberries on this stretch.

I dropped to Indian Springs on the steepest two miles downhill I have experienced so far. My legs were quivering a bit at the finish. I then connected to Eagle Creek Trail which was a beautiful alternative route.

Parts of the trail have been blasted into the cliff walls just wide enough for hikers high above the river. I passed several impressive waterfalls, the highlight being 150 ft high Tunnel Falls. You have to walk through a tunnel that has been blasted behind the waterfall.

The trail descended to near the Columbia River and I walked the last two miles into Cascade Locks. I could see the mighty river through the trees and passed under the Bridge of the Gods. This will be my path to cross into Washington.

First stop was the PO and second stop was the Cascade Ale House for a burger and IPA. I joined several hikers, some just arriving, and some getting ready to start Washington.