Last summer I hit 500 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail section near Crater Lake

I stopped at a stream crossing to check my phone and realized I had walked exactly 500 miles since I started. That number surprised me because I never intended to go that far, just kept telling myself one more ridge. Has anyone else accidentally passed a big milestone without planning for it?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason_ward1d ago

That line about "one more ridge" is exactly how it goes. I've done that same thing on shorter loops where I look down and realize I accidentally hiked 20 miles when I only planned on 10. The best adventures always happen when you stop keeping track and just follow the trail. Crater Lake is a killer place to hit 500, that section is pure magic. Those accidental milestones feel way better than the ones you plan for because they catch you off guard. A true sign you were in the zone and not obsessing over numbers.

sandralee1d ago

Started counting my steps once. Got to like 47 before I gave up and just enjoyed the view.