Obsidian Terrain and Lava Rock Challenge PCT Hikers

A Pacific Crest Trail hiker reports traversing some of the most memorable terrain on the trail, moving from an obsidian-strewn landscape into a challenging mile of lava rock. The day ended with a successful hitch to the town of Bend for resupply and rest.

The Obsidian Landscape

The hiker, writing for The Trek, awoke to sun shining on the Middle Sister peak. The forest provided cool cover from the warm day as they entered the designated Obsidian area. Obsidian was pervasive, appearing as small flecks along the trail and lining the path in large boulders and chunks. The writer had never seen anything like it. They passed a waterfall and naturally flowing springs, all filled with the dark volcanic glass, calling it one of their favorite trail sections.

A Treacherous Final Mile

The terrain shifted from the obsidian area into green forests, which then morphed into lava rock. The final mile before Makenzie Pass was described as treacherous. The trail was completely engulfed by lava rocks of different shapes and sizes, forcing the hiker to carefully place each footstep in between and on top of the rocks to avoid twisting an ankle. Progress was very slow over this difficult stretch.

The Hitch to Civilization

After finishing the tough mile at Makenzie Pass under a beating sun with throbbing feet, the hiker and a companion named Drom attempted to hitch a ride. A kind woman stopped after about 20 minutes and offered to take them halfway to the town of Sisters. They accepted the ride with the "trail angel" and her dog. During the trip, they had a great conversation and discovered her husband had once worked for the same company as the hiker. The hiker's father also worked for the company at that time, and they likely played against each other in a company softball tournament in Bend years ago.

The driver dropped them at her favorite spot for lunch, Sisters Coffee Co., where the hiker ordered a cold brew and a curried chicken salad sandwich. They had about an hour before needing to catch a public bus to Bend, which they spent sitting outside and catching up on internet chores.

The bus to Bend was full of characters. In town, they checked into the Super 8 motel, where all their hiking friends were staying. The group unloaded their packs, showered, put on their cleanest outfits, and went downtown for Thai food. The hiker ordered a seafood curry fried rice. The portion sizes were massive, and they could only eat half even with a hiker hunger. They took the rest back to the hotel, got cozy in bed, and watched an episode of a Survivor rerun, appreciating the luxury of a bed.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.