PCT Hikers Reach Timberline Lodge After 2,100 Miles
A group of Pacific Crest Trail hikers, including the author 'Redrum,' completed an 18-mile, 4,000-foot climb to reach Timberline Lodge near Mount Hood.
Pacific Crest Trail hiker 'Redrum' and their group have reached the iconic Timberline Lodge after an 18-mile day with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. According to a personal account published on The Trek, the arrival coincided with passing the trail's 2,100-mile marker.
A fellow hiker named Radio had previously booked the lodge's bunk room for 15 people. A 50 percent discount offered by the lodge made splitting the cost among their group of ten affordable. This provided an unexpected upgrade from their anticipated plan of camping near the lodge.
The Day's Hike
Redrum hiked alone for much of the day, aided by good cell phone reception. The trek offered stunning views of Mount Hood, and the elevation gain was manageable. The hiker barely paused for snacks, maintaining a steady pace toward the destination.
The final approach to the lodge proved the most challenging section. The last mile and a half required climbing roughly 2,000 feet through soft, deep sand. Redrum mentally compared the struggle to walking on a beach, though noted a beach is typically far flatter.
Arrival and Milestone
The Timberline Lodge came into view right next to the trail's 2,100-mile marker. Redrum had not been monitoring the map closely and was surprised by the milestone, feeling the 2,000-mile point had been passed only recently. Other hikers who had completed a '24 hour challenge' were relaxing by the lodge's pool upon arrival.
After a brief rest outside, Redrum attended to standard town chores. This included picking up a resupply package mailed to the lodge and taking a warm shower.
Evening in Government Camp
Fresh from the shower, Redrum joined a group heading to the nearby town of Government Camp for dinner. A hiker named Rolodex's desire for pizza led the group to a restaurant called the Ratskeller. The meal of pizza and salad was well-received.
The group returned to Timberline Lodge via bus for a quiet evening. Time was spent catching up on personal communications and online tasks. Redrum noted the exceptional comfort of the bunk room beds, calling them potentially the most comfortable encountered on the entire trail so far. The report ends with the hiker anticipating a good night's sleep.
