McKenzie Pass, Pacific Crest

As I skirted the eastern slope of Diamond Peak, the trail began to descend, leading me past the serene Odell Lake near Willamette Pass. The lake, a natural basin carved by a glacier, is home to trout, salmon, and whitefish. A 40lb (18kg) trout was one of the most famous catches. Though not visible from the PCT, the nearby Waldo Lake is known for its incredibly clear water, which can be seen to a depth of 120ft (36m) on a clear day. The lake is named after Judge John B. Waldo, a surveyor general from Oregon who helped preserve the Cascades, eventually leading to the creation of a national forest.

I entered the Three Sisters Wilderness, eager to hike along the west side of the Three Sisters, comprising the towering volcanic peaks of the South, Middle, and North Sisters. The path wound through rocky terrain, offering stunning views of these giants, each more imposing than the last. As I reached the far end of North Sister, I encountered Opie Dilldock Pass, where the trail steepened sharply, demanding a short but challenging climb. My muscles burned with effort as I crested the rise, but the payoff was immediate as I descended slightly and reached Yapoah Crater. With its smooth, polished basalt surface, this small, barren cinder cone looked almost otherworldly. I couldn't resist the urge to scramble up to the top to peer inside the crater. 

Back on the trail, I finished this section at McKenzie Pass, crossing a vast expanse of solidified lava. Nearby, the Dee Wright Observatory stood—an open, lava-stone structure built into the flow. The observatory’s windows were designed to offer views of the surrounding Cascade peaks. I took a moment to marvel at the landscape before continuing.