For those who love statistics or simply want to know more about the third part of my journey, here are the key figures and interesting facts.

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1. Distance and Duration

2. Elevation Statistics

3. Countries Visited

4. Trail Sections Completed

5. Iconic Summits Along the Trail 

6. Notable Ascents

7. Key Passes Crossed

8. Weather Challenges

9. Notable Climatic Events

10. Terrain Types

11. Key Hiking Challenges

12. Provisioning and Supplies

13. Technical Breakdowns

14. Wildlife Encounters​

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Distance and Duration

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• Total Distance Covered: 4,441 kilometers (2,756 miles)

• Total Duration: 134 days

• Effective Hiking Time: 36 days, 4 hours, 45 minutes

• Longest Single Hiking Day: 54.75 kilometers (34.02 miles)

• Longest Stretch without Resupply: 7 days

• Average Daily Distance: 34.9 kilometers (21.69 miles)

Elevation Statistics

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• Total Elevation Gain: 138,823 meters (445,456 feet)

• Maximum Elevation: 4,418 meters (14,505 feet) at Mount Whitney

• Highest Elevation Gain in One Day: 2,116 meters (6,942 feet)

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Countries Visited

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• United States

• Canada

Trail Sections Completed

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• Southern California

• Sierra Nevada

• Northern California

• Oregon

• Washington

Iconic Summits Along the Trail 

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• Mount San Jacinto

• Mount Baden Powell

• Mount Whitney

• Mount Lassen

• Mount Shasta

• Mount McLaughlin

• Three Sisters

• Mount Washington

• Mount Jefferson

• Mount Hood

• Mount Adams

• Mount Saint Helens

• Mount Rainier

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Notable Ascents

During the journey, I summited several peaks mostly off-trail, each adding a unique challenge:

• Mount San Jacinto (3,288m / 10,787ft)

• Mount Baden Powell (2,867m / 9,406ft)

• Mount Whitney (4,418m / 14,505ft) – Highest peak in the U.S. outside Alaska

• Tinker Knob (2,713m / 8,901ft)

• Old Snowy (2,401m / 7,877ft)

Key Passes Crossed

I traversed 47 key passes, including challenging ones like:

• Forester Pass (4,023m / 13,200ft) – Highest point on the PCT

• Muir Pass (3,649m), Glen Pass (3,644m), Pinchot Pass (3,696m)

• Mather Pass (3,686m), Kearsarge Pass (3,569m), and many others.

These crossings were the true tests of endurance, each offering its own reward of stunning views and personal achievement.

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Weather Challenges

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• Southern California: The desert heat, combined with dry and exposed conditions, made hydration and pace management essential. As I hiked through the arid landscape, I had to carefully balance my water supply and energy levels, adapting to the challenging environment. The desert was relentless, and the vast, open terrain demanded both mental and physical resilience.

• Sierra Nevada: The rugged terrain and river crossings required careful preparation for mountain conditions. The high elevations and occasional snow patches tested my navigation skills, especially in some of the more remote areas. Despite the challenges, the majestic mountain views made the effort rewarding and kept my spirits high.

• Northern California: Frequent wildfires forced me to take detours to avoid smoke and fire zones. These unexpected reroutes disrupted my plans and required constant mental focus to find alternate paths. The uncertainty created periods of doubt, as I had to reconfigure my route while maintaining the goal of completing the trail without interruption.

• Oregon: Long stretches through dense forests presented their own set of challenges, compounded by occasional fire risks. The lush greenery provided some relief but the threat of smoke from nearby fires sometimes clouded the trail ahead. The quiet, remote sections of forest became a mental test of endurance and patience.

• Washington: The steep ascents and descents in Washington were physically demanding, especially as the days grew shorter and autumn set in. The cooler, wetter conditions marked a clear change from the dry heat of earlier stages but the lack of significant rainfall didn’t ease the weight of constant fatigue. By the time I reached the final stretch, my body and mind were worn down, yet the determination to finish kept me moving forward.

Notable Climatic Events

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• Heat Waves: The desert section of the PCT presented its own intense climatic challenges, particularly due to two major heat waves that struck during my hike. The extreme temperatures forced me to adapt my pace and strategy, often starting very early in the morning or even walking at night to avoid the midday heat. Hydration became critical, and I had to constantly monitor my water supply to ensure I could make it through the blistering stretches of desert without running out.

• Sudden Storms: While rare, sudden storms with hail and unexpected rain were especially frequent at higher elevations. The change in weather required quick adjustments to gear and pace to stay safe. When the storms hit, the temperature would drop rapidly, and trails would become slippery, adding another level of risk to the already demanding terrain.

• Wildfires: Several trail sections had to be bypassed due to ongoing wildfires, resulting in multiple detours. These forced reroutes, often unexpected, were a constant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the trail. At times, the smoke from nearby fires would blanket the landscape, reducing visibility and making it difficult to breathe. These challenges added an extra layer of complexity to the journey, both mentally and physically.

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Terrain Types

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• Desert: Hot, dry, and exposed—water was scarce, and the terrain tested endurance. Long stretches between water sources and intense heat required careful pacing and constant hydration.

• Mountain Passes: The Sierra Nevada involved high altitudes, steep ascents, rocky trails and occasional snow. Navigating the uneven, snow-covered paths demanded strong navigation skills and physical endurance to tackle the challenging terrain.

• Rain Forests: Oregon and Washington’s dense forests were damp and shaded, with occasional slippery trails. The cool, misty conditions and frequent elevation changes made for a physically demanding but peaceful environment.

Key Hiking Challenges

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• Isolation and Self-Sufficiency: Remote sections demanded heightened preparedness, with stretches of the trail lacking both people and infrastructure. At times, the isolation was overwhelming, requiring complete self-sufficiency in food, water and emergency preparedness.

• Wildfires and Closures: Wildfires forced reroutes and impacted resupply schedules. Several trail sections were closed and the smoke made it difficult to continue at times. The unpredictability of fire season added significant stress to planning and mental resilience.

• Injuries: The continuous, relentless pace of the hike took a toll on my body, leading to blisters, tendonitis, strains and painful calluses. Despite these injuries, I kept pushing forward, with little time for rest. The lack of significant breaks made managing pain and recovery a constant challenge but I kept moving forward without pause.

• Mosquitoes in the Sierra: The Sierra Nevada brought its own set of challenges, including an overwhelming number of mosquitoes in certain areas. These relentless pests, especially near rivers and lakes, made camping and resting uncomfortable. The constant buzzing and biting required vigilance in protecting myself with repellent and netting, adding to the mental strain of hiking in such a remote, bug-infested environment.

• Destroyed Bridges and Detours: Several trail sections required detours due to destroyed bridges, such as the crossing of the San Joaquin River. The absence of bridges forced hikers to find alternative routes, often adding significant distance and time to an already demanding journey. In some cases, hikers were forced to rely on unofficial detours, like the one suggested by Skurka, though these alternatives were not always optimal and sometimes added more complexity to the trail.

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Provisioning and Supplies

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• Resupply Locations: Resupply points like Tehachapi, Kennedy Meadows and Cascade Locks were crucial for maintaining provisions. However, many of these points were off-trail, requiring hitchhiking to reach small towns. This added an element of unpredictability to the resupply process, with stretches between resupplies ranging from 3 to 7 days, during which I had to rely entirely on my own supplies.

• Water: Water sources were scarce in the desert, requiring careful planning and frequent water carries. Once past the Sierra Nevada, streams and lakes became more reliable, though there were still sections where water availability was limited. Managing water resources was a constant concern, especially on the longer, more remote stretches where water caches were sometimes needed (even if you shouldn't rely on them). Water from streams was filtered using a portable system to ensure safety and minimize weight, allowing me to carry just enough for each day’s hike without being weighed down by excess.

• Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, nuts and dried fruits were essential for maintaining energy throughout the trek. Meals on the trail had to be simple, portable and calorie-dense due to limited cooking space and the unstable trail conditions. Common meals included ramen, couscous, mashed potatoes, tortillas and oatmeal, all easy to prepare and lightweight. I also carried electrolyte to replace the salts and minerals lost through sweat, particularly during hot stretches in the desert. These were crucial for preventing dehydration and cramping, especially during long days of hiking in challenging conditions.

• Backpack Weight: The bulk of the weight in my backpack was made up of food. With an average load of 25 kg (55 pounds), my pack was heavy, especially during long stretches without resupply. Despite efforts to lighten it, the weight was a constant challenge and the load seemed even heavier during hot desert sections or steep climbs. Managing that weight was a key part of the experience, forcing me to prioritize essentials while constantly adjusting the load for balance and comfort.

• Protection from Bears: From the Sierra Nevada onwards, I used a bear canister and bear hangs to store my food securely. However, once I reached Sierra City and no longer had my canister, I switched to using the bear-hanging method only. The need to protect my food from bears persisted almost until the end of the trail and bear-hanging became an essential part of managing my food safely in areas with high bear activity.

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Technical Breakdowns

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• Frequent Issues: Gear malfunctions were common, including torn tents, worn-out boots and damaged trekking poles.

• Replacement Items: Boots, socks, filters and trekking poles were the most frequently replaced items due to the wear and tear of long-distance hiking.

Wildlife Encounters

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• Mammals: Throughout the trail, I encountered a variety of mammals. A black bear - just 5 meters away from me - was the most notable, but I also frequently spotted deer (72 sightings), including some grey deer. Marmots (32), pikas (11), and chipmunks (hundreds) were common in higher altitudes. Mountain goats (27) were a highlight, and I also observed smaller mammals like squirrels (hundreds), flying squirrels (1) and white-collared rodents (9). I heard mountain lions but didn’t encounter any. The rare lynx (1) was another fascinating sighting. Other creatures included rabbits (21) and hares (4), adding to the diversity of the region.

• Birdlife: The skies were alive with birds of all kinds. I was lucky enough to spot a bald eagle (1) and an osprey (1) soaring above. The trail was also home to hawks, vultures, grouse (20), and the elusive ptarmigans (2). Turkey vultures (1) and various songbirds such as meadowlarks and chickadees kept me company, as did hummingbirds (6). Grey jays and grouse added to the avian diversity, though owls and falcons were less commonly seen.

• Reptiles, Fish and Insects: The trail had a fair share of reptiles, with rattlesnakes (9) being the most striking. I also encountered various lizards, including sleek black lizards, long-tailed spotted ones, and even a few bulldozer-like. A couple of geckos (2) made an appearance, as well as a variety of other lizards. As for insects, mosquitoes were frequent, particularly in warmer months, while grasshoppers (thousands of them) often seemed to leap out of the brush. Black widows (2) added an occasional touch of danger. I also spotted numerous trout and Kokanee salmon in streams, adding another fascinating aspect to the wildlife encountered.