PCT Day 126: Bumping River & Mt Rainier NP

Daily Miles: 28.3, Total Miles: 2331.3

Squish, squish down the wet trail and jumping from side to side to avoid mud puddles. Hiked in a cloud for much of the morning and then the sun finally shone through.

I passed several lakes and ponds in this spongy, muskeg country rich with ripe huckleberries.

I crossed a brand-new foot bridge over the headwaters of the Bumping River – the crew just leaving on horseback said I was one of the first to cross. Climbed to the Cascade Divide with views of Mt Rainier.

Soon after, I entered Mt Rainier NP with the mountain shrouded in clouds. I passed scenic Dewey Lake, climbed over a rise near Tipsoo Lake trail and headed towards Chinook Pass.

Camped on a knoll above a small lake below Naches Peak.

I was congratulated on nearing the finish line by a few SOBO hikers. Seemed a bit premature but a reminder the end is in sight. All my planning had been about getting to the finish line. But once I started the hike, my focus shifted to just getting to the next re-supply. Canada was just too far away to think about or stress over.