PCT Day 113: Mt Jefferson to Warm Springs

Daily Miles: 27.7, Total Miles: 2068.7

I was almost asleep last night when I heard something snuffling around outside my tent. I yelled “Get out!” and whatever it was took off and clipped the end of Prophet’s tent, sending one of his stakes flying and collapsing his tent. We did find the missing stake in the morning.

Woke up to clear skies and sunrise on Mt Jefferson and Scout Lake – absolutely beautiful! The glaciers were clearly visible on the sides of the peak.

A bit embarrassing but shortly after heading out, I took a timeout for my morning constitution. Got my trowel and TP and found a suitable spot well off the trail. I was squatting and halfway through, looked up and 50 ft away, staring at me, was the biggest, most magnificent buck I have ever seen. It wasn’t until I pulled my pants up that he decided the show was over.

The trail quickly climbed 1,000 ft up the side of Park Butte with excellent views of Mt Jefferson as the sun continued to rise. The reward on top was the first clear view of Mt Hood to the north.

The descent had a few snowfields to cross on the way down to Breitenbush Lake. A trail angel PCT hiker from last year, was just setting out his goodies. Had a great roast beef and pork sub, chips and a beer. Thanks, Morrisey!

Olallie (what the natives called huckleberries) Lake was the next destination. The small general store didn’t have ice cream but I bought a snack and Dr Pepper.

I passed several more lakes and entered the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. I found a campsite just north and descending from Pinhead Butte.