Pacific Crest Trail - Day 74 - Forester Pass

Start: Mile 775.9 - Backcountry campsite - Tyndall Creek
End: Mile 790.2 - Backcountry campsite

4:00am. Good morning!

Snowmelt flowing down the trail, even in freezing temperatures. A sight we’ll learn to expect.

The trail behind looking frigid.

Mt. Whitney alpenglow.

A hiker looking at 1000’ of icy switchbacks contemplating his life choices.

I thought the pass was the saddle over there ➡️

LOL, no it’s the notch over there ⬅️

Forester Pass at 13,000’ up is the highest point of the entire Pacific Crest Trail. Yes, we were 1500’ above this standing on Whitney two days ago, but that was a Type 2 fun detour.

There were a few options down from the pass. We opted for the traverse.

Many sent it on a glissade. Somehow ~25 miles and 9000’ from medical assistance didn‘t seem like a prudent place to practice not getting stabbed by an ice axe while sliding downhill.

What even are these mountains?!

That indescribable alpine lake color.

We had ambitions of clearing Forester Pass and strolling over Kearsarge Pass in the same day. Those were rapidly sapped and reconfigured by miles of slushy descent and a humbling ascent to the Kearsarge trailhead.

All in all, an incredibly beautiful, humbling day in the Sierra. We crossed the highest point on the entire PCT in alpine conditions with smiles on our faces.

Tomorrow Bishop, Schat’s bakery, and rest!