Thetrek iconThetrekSep 8, 2026

Sierra City to Donner Pass: The End of My Big PCT Year

After more than 900 miles of section hiking across California and Oregon this year, I only had two days left on the PCT before heading home. What stood between me and Donner Pass were a few final climbs, some beautiful Sierra views, and plenty of time to reflect on everything this trail season had brought me.

Sierra City to Donner Pass: The End of My Big PCT Year

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After more than 900 miles of section hiking across California and Oregon this year, I only had two days left on the PCT before heading home.

What stood between me and Donner Pass were a few final climbs, some beautiful Sierra views, and plenty of time to reflect on everything this trail season had brought me.

As eager as I was for a shower, sushi, and sleeping past 4:00am, I found myself thinking about just how far this dream had carried me over the past several months.

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After more than 900 miles of section hiking across California and Oregon this year, I only had two days left on the PCT before heading home. What stood between me and Donner Pass were a few final climbs, some beautiful Sierra views, and plenty of time to reflect on everything this trail season had brought me. As eager as I was for a shower, sushi, and sleeping past 4:00am, I found myself thinking about just how far this dream had carried me over the past several months.

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