Your hiking adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail - #unitedbysummits

While you hike through black fields of lava rock that came out of Brown Mountain and stroll over the reddish trail, look up to see majestic Mount McLoughlin, the southernmost solitary volcano in Oregon. There are trails leading up to the summit, if you are ambitious.

The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the stunning Sky Lakes Wilderness with tons of shimmering alpine lakes. Most of them lie a little below the crest, so you can decide to take an alternate route to get closer to the pine tree framed lakes.

Crater Lake is a stunning natural monument. The deep blue lake is not only the deepest lake (1,950 feet) in the continental US, it is also an impressive relic of the volcanic era. When Mount Mazama, the ancient volcano errupted around 7,700 years ago, the crater filled with rain and melt water.

The National Park was founded in 1902. Within the park you will find numerous hiking trails including an alternate of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), some campgrounds and lodges. Swimming and fishing is permitted and you can also join a boat ride to Wizard Island, the small island within the lake.

If you have a long distance permit for the PCT, you are not allowed to camp along the rim. The next legal campsite from Mazama Village is at the base of Grouse Hill. Otherwise you have to obtain an extra backcountry permit for Crater Lake National Park. You can send resupply packages to Mazama Camper Store in Mazama Village using the following address:

Your Name, PCT Hiker
c/o Mazama Camper Store
Mazama Village
Crater Lake, OR 97604
Expected arrival date

Opening hours: 7 days a week during summer months, package pickup from 8 am to 8 pm.

At this location, you will have a stunning view towards Wizard Island, especially for a spectacular sunrise. It can be windy, so bring some warming layers. You can also see the fire tower at The Watchman.

Lower Rosary Lake is the first of three beautiful lakes with caribbean like water. There are great campspots next to the lake, where you can enjoy this unique spot a little longer.

A short side trail leads to Maiden Peak Shelter that is equipped with benches and a table as well as a wood stove. You have to climb a ladder to get to the sleeping platform. There is no water source here, so bring water from the nearby lakes.

Brahma Lake has lots of spots to pitch tents and is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Cascade Lakes area. If you are not spending the night, at least take a break at this wonderful place.

As soon as you enter this open landscape you will be amazed by its beauty. South Sister is towering with its glaciers and the piling Rock Butte whereas Le Conte Crater is nicely camouflaged with pine trees.

The Three Sisters Wilderness is part of the Cascade Range and offers geological features such as lava fields, ancient volcanoes (like the Three Sisters itself), alpine meadows, waterfalls and glaciers with shining glacial lakes.

For overnight adventures you have to obtain a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit between the first Friday of Memorial Day weekend and October 31. Get the latest information here: fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fse_005446%20

The Wilderness Permit is included in the PCT long distance permit.

A small, but surprising waterfall within the Three Sisters Wilderness. A short, steep side trail will get you closer to the falls. It got its name from the nearby Obsidian Area that is covered with glassy black rock which is created when lava cools down rapidly.

While you hike through the endless moonlike landscape around the Three Sisters, the peaks of the Cascade Mountains are stretching along the horizon. On a clear day, you can see Mount Washington (closest to you), Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood and even Mount Adams which is already in the state of Washington. Turn around to see the majestic Three Sisters rising for several thousand feet.

Little Belknap is just a five minute hike from the PCT. Explore around this little volcano to find the lava tubes. The views towards Mount Washington, the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack and over the gigantic lava fields are one of a kind. There is even a (rocky) spot for cowboy camping on top of Little Belknap.

After you have hiked through miles and miles of lava rock, this is a great place to pitch your tent. Enjoy the view towards Mount Washington and a stunning sunrise in the morning. Despite mosquito season, you will most likely see none of them. Bring water, since there is no water source around here.

This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints towards the volcanic formation of Three Fingered Jack and the deep valley below it. The PCT will lead you further north and into the forest pretty soon if you hike north. So enjoy the view to the fullest at this location.

This pass has the most scenic campsites within the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. On one side you will see Jefferson, the other presents Mount Hood in the distance. There is no water source up here, but there might be old snowfields if you are into melting snow.

The wilderness around Mount Jefferson is one of the most impressive alpine areas within the whole state of Oregon. The majestic volcano with it numerous glaciers towers over pine forest, old burn areas, lava fields, lush meadows, flowing creeks and lots of beautiful vegetation. To enter the Mount Jefferson Wilderness you need to obtain a permit for the Central Cascades Wilderness. The PCT long-distance permit covers this area.

Little Crater Lake might not be as nearly as large as the bigger brother, but it is fascinating in its very own way. It was formed by a crack in the earth or from a volcanic maar which led to an artesian spring that washed away the soft siltstone that surrounds the lake.

You will feel like you are hiking along the beach if you go up or down Mount Hood. It is strenuous, so take your time and enjoy the view towards the mountain and the rushing White River below you.

If you are a fan of old horror movies, the Timberline Lodge might remember you on one particular movie. This is the filming location of the Stephen King classic "The Shining" with Jack Nicholson. They also have the axe from the movie with "Here's Johnny" written all over and you can take a selfie with it.

The lodge is also – or even primarily for hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail – popular for its fantastic breakfast and lunch buffet. You have to make a reservation online to attend the buffet which is 25 Dollars per person. Trust me, its worth it!

If you are a PCT-Thruhiker, I recommend to send a resupply box here, since resupply options are very limited at the Lodge and it is quite difficult to hitchhike into town and back.

Packages are held for hikers for a $10 fee.

Built in 1915, the tunnel behind Tunnel Falls was blasted out as a way to get around the falls on the way up to Wahtum Lake. The steep basalt cliffs are lined with maiden hair ferns.