PCT Hiker Tackles Forester Pass and Glissades Solo

A Pacific Crest Trail hiker spent a cold morning climbing to the summit of Forester Pass alone. The ascent took three hours, longer than the estimated two, due to frequent photo stops amid half-frozen lakes and sheer peaks.

According to the hiker's account on The Trek, the trail was immediately spectacular, rising above treeline within minutes. On the switchbacks, they met two southbound John Muir Trail hikers who reported the snow was firm and that most northbound PCT hikers were glissading down. The hiker had the narrow pass to themselves, taking a moment to scan the granite peaks and gleaming lakes before descending.

The Solo Glissade

Faced with a long boot pack across steep snow, the hiker opted for a solo glissade down a convenient chute. They described it as not graceful, repeatedly braking to control speed for fear of flying off the mountainside. The experience was ultimately positive. Doing it solo allowed them to take their time without an audience or feeling they were holding anyone up. After the snow, the trail became easier, offering views of green meadows and pine forests descending into the valley.

The day's goal was to reach the town of Bishop for a mandatory resupply, as the hiker was out of food. This required leaving the PCT to ascend Kearsage Pass, a scenic route full of alpine lakes. After a windy summit, a long descent led to a trailhead parking lot where hitching a ride proved difficult. After over half an hour, a PCT section hiker offered a ride to Bishop, where the hiker secured one of the last beds in a hostel dorm.

Town Stop and Return

The next day involved a quick resupply in Bishop, aided by a borrowed hostel bike, and a return to the trail thanks to a trail angel named Eric, who refused gas money for the 40-minute drive. The re-ascent of Kearsage Pass took roughly the same time as the prior descent. Back on the PCT route, the hiker diverted towards Rae Lakes, forgoing 0.7 miles of official trail, and found a campsite with water and fellow hikers, including one named El Pres.

Passes and Coffee Cravings

A late start the next day led to a climb up Glen Pass. The north side revealed the shimmering Rae Lakes. The hiker felt sluggish, attributing it to skipping their usual morning coffee to avoid a cold water collection. They soldiered on until the bottom of the valley, where a coffee break provided an instant boost, revealing the extent of their addiction.

The subsequent climb to Pinchot Pass was tougher than expected, feeling endless with a heavy pack after resupply. The final half-mile was steep and breathless at altitude. The summit offered a spectacular view and the welcome company of El Pres's group. A descent past steely grey lakes was spent hiking and chatting with others, making the miles fly by. The group pitched tents under an ominous sky that ultimately cleared.

The hiker notes a differing morning routine from El Pres's early-starting group, preferring to set off after 7:30 AM. The next day's trail immediately presented a river crossing.