I was up and out by 4:30 on Sunday to get to Bridge of the Gods and scope out the PCT as it climbs out of the Gorge and makes its way to Mt Hood. I think this area is prime for a longer link up with a short overnighter along the way.

Dry Creek Falls was running and I paused to take some pictures before continuing the run. The trail was mostly runnable with a few rocky scree traverses, all very power-hikable.

At around 3 miles I came to the intersection of Herman Creek Cutoff trail and the PCT. From here the PCT climbs steadily. I hit my turnaround time a little after 8am and 6.5 miles and then turned and booked it back down and to the car at Bridge of the Gods.

I took one bottle of Cytomax and 1.5 liters of water in a hydration pack in the Ultimate Direction FKT vest. Super comfy vest and the kit I’ll mostly likely be able to carry a bivy and tarp in to fastpack through to Timberline.

I drank the Cytomax and a few sips of water… I ate when I got back to the car and didn’t feel like stopping from Dry Creek to the car (all downhill) .

These sections are also part of Christof Teucher’s Hatfield loops. Those are definitely on the punch list for this summer and fall.