PCT Hikers Find Joy in Rain-Soaked Goat Rocks Trek

A group of twenty Pacific Crest Trail hikers left Trout Lake, Washington, under a dubious forecast promising two more days of rain. Their goal was the iconic Goat Rocks Wilderness, with a chance of clear skies predicted for their third day on trail.

The author, hiking with new friends, initially chose to forgo a raincoat in a light mist, a decision that led to being soaked for hours. The constant precipitation demanded a relentless pace to stave off the cold. The writer noted a peculiar mental clarity during the rain, finding distraction unnecessary when focused on the fog-draped forest and the simple rhythm of walking.

After twenty-four miles, the group found trail magic left by a hiker named Van Gogh. Directions, spelled out with sticks, led them to a meadow where other hikers had gathered.

A Night of Trail Magic

The makeshift camp offered a stark contrast to the day's misery. Hikers wore all their clothing against the chill but sipped mimosas under a miraculously clear sky revealing the Milky Way. The morning brought the smell of bacon and the finish of leftover champagne, with the group reveling in whipped cream-covered cake. Another hiker, Jus-kween, expressed shared awe at finally finding a compatible 'tramily' to hike with.

The Icy Climb to Goat Rocks

The promised good weather for the Goat Rocks section never materialized. Instead, the hikers climbed shrouded ridges in persistent fog and frigid temperatures. They handled icy snow patches, a hazardous surprise so late in the season, with thoughts fixed on reaching town to dry out. The group deliberately slowed their pace to ensure no one had to traverse the exposed Knife's Edge section alone.

The Hitch to Warmth

The hikers reached the road at dusk. After securing a ride for some of their party, the author and Jus-kween got a hitch within five minutes from a family who said they couldn't leave them out in the cold. The family gifted them four White Claw hard seltzers upon dropping them at a hotel, where the rest of their friends were already eating pizza on the curb. They had survived the suffering, and more than that, they had enjoyed it.