July 20

Distance today: 26.1 miles

Mile marker: 327.0

We planned for today to be a long day. We got up early and just as we were about to leave our campsite, a retired forest ranger came down trail. The couple from lunch yesterday wanted to learn more about the trees, so we told this ranger they’d be most excited if he catches up to them. He said he has a PhD in foresty, but “doesn’t know about that tree stuff.” Ah, how research humbles you. He was also from Colorado. Before he left, he said there was more magic at the cabin 4.7 miles down trail.

The trail was cruisey all the way to the cabin and beyond. At the cabin, a cooler full of drinks, chips, and apples welcomed us. Jason grabbed a 9am beer and Cheetos to supplement his breakfast.

We started the march across the huge scar burn. Normally, this section is very exposed and with long water carries. We were lucky that cooler temperatures had come in over the last few days and an overcast sky provided relief from the sun. The trail was in good condition, although rocky at times.

We stopped for lunch and met two hikers hiking the Washington section north. For lunch, Jason had spinach couscous (B) and Alex had mac n cheese surprise (B-).

We got some great views of Mount Rainier despite clouds from cloaking the peak. It just made the mountain look even more menacing.

After the burn scar, the trail became a lot more alpine-like: steep slopes, rocky, windy, and pretty exposed.

We finally completed our last climb that overlooks our campsite for the night when Alex saw a pair of mountain goats. Jason was distracted looking the wrong way at the valley we had just crossed.

We camped at Sheep Lake just a short distance from Chinook Pass. Jason camped here as a youth. For dinner, Jason had mac n cheese surprise (B+) and Alex had lentils and rice (A-).

We’re only 30 miles out from our next pickup at White Pass. We should be in good shape to get there on time.