10) CANADA! 🇨🇦

Before tackling the final state, Washington, Oliver and I treated ourselves to two well-deserved rest days in Cascade Locks. This town sits right on the Columbia River and is the last larger settlement on the PCT before the Canadian border.

On the first day, we focused on resupply preparations for the final section. We had sent packages to two remote locations in Washington – especially near the end of the trail – since shopping options there are very limited. On the second day, we took it easy and rested.

Coincidentally, it was July 4th – American Independence Day. In the evening, the whole community gathered on a small peninsula. There was grilling, picnicking, games, and celebrations. A peaceful, cheerful festival ended with a colorful fireworks display.

On July 5th, we crossed the legendary Bridge of the Gods – a symbolic moment: from Oregon into Washington, the final state on the Pacific Crest Trail. Here began the last section of my long journey.

Oliver and I hiked together for the first day; after that, our paths diverged. Since we had different plans after the PCT, Oliver wanted to move faster – I chose to slow my pace and enjoy the last weeks more mindfully. For the first time in a long while, I was hiking alone again.

Washington is considered particularly spectacular by PCT hikers. The first days, however, still resembled Oregon – lots of forest, but significantly more elevation gain. And unfortunately, hordes of mosquitoes that made breaks nearly impossible.

I did, however, encounter my third black bear – like the others, it vanished immediately upon noticing me. Still, it’s impressive to be this close to these animals.

The real high mountain terrain began at the Goat Rocks – a spectacular section with fantastic views of Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in Washington (4,392 m / 14,411 ft). The snow-covered volcano towers far above the surrounding peaks and was an unforgettable sight, especially in the early morning light of the rising sun.

After another forested section, I reached Snoqualmie Pass. There I met many “SOBOS” – hikers walking the PCT from north to south. Talking with them was interesting; many said the most beautiful part of Washington was still ahead.

And indeed, the landscape changed: it became more mountainous, valleys grew deeper, and the views more dramatic. Countless switchbacks took me from one valley to the next, past clear mountain lakes and alpine landscapes that strongly reminded me of Switzerland.

Day by day, I approached the massive Glacier Peak – a remote volcano with huge glaciers and breathtaking vistas. The scenery here was astonishing and gave me a final, strong motivational boost. Honestly, by this point, I was pretty exhausted.

After passing Glacier Peak, I reached High Bridge. From there, I took a bus to Stehekin, the last resupply point before the Canadian border. Stehekin is extremely remote, reachable only by shuttle, ferry, or floatplane – no road access.

There, I treated myself to a juicy burger at the only restaurant and camped overnight. The next day, we took the shuttle back to the trail – for the very last kilometers.

In this area, black bears are especially active – and indeed, about four hours after starting, one stood right in the middle of the trail. I patiently waited until it wandered into the forest, then continued calmly.

On the penultimate day, I reached Harts Pass – the last PCT point accessible by car. From here, after reaching the Canadian border, you must hike back; crossing into Canada to continue hiking is no longer permitted.

Late in the afternoon, a thunderstorm rolled in. More precipitation had been forecast, but I was lucky – it remained just brief showers. Overall, during the entire trail, there were very few rainy days, so I took it in stride.

On July 21, my 120th day on the PCT, it finally happened. After a few final hours through stunning landscapes – with wide vistas, mountains, and valleys – I reached the Canadian border and enjoyed the beer I had carried all the way from Stehekin. Like at the start at the Mexican border, a monument marked the spot. I had arrived. After 4,275 kilometers of unforgettable experiences, both joyful and challenging moments, and encounters with people and animals, I had fulfilled my dream and looked back on the journey with gratitude.

On that day, I also completed my longest single-day hike: 67 kilometers. I pitched my tent one last time in the mountains before returning to Harts Pass and then back to civilization the next day.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in any way or followed my journey.

Happy Trails!