Episode 41
Ep 041. John Muir Trail Day 5 (Trail Series). Forester Pass, Dreamy Camp, and Our First Trout Dinner
Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.
Today was one of those wow trail days. We crossed the legendary Forester Pass—one of the tallest passes on the JMT—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The approach was breathtaking, with massive granite walls and a surprisingly kind set of switchbacks. On the other side, we scored what might be our favorite camp yet: tucked beside a rushing creek and waterfall, totally secluded.
Michael caught his first backcountry trout and we cooked it for dinner (with a little salt, pepper, and tru-lemon flavor—backpacking gourmet style). Plus, we reflect on trail routines.
In this episode:
- Climbing Forester Pass (and why a northbound approach might be the best)
- Scoring an epic, private campsite near water
- Catching and cooking our first wild trout
- Trail routine reflections and slow-down moments
🎧 Come along for one of the most iconic days on the trail—you won’t want to miss this one.
JMT Resources on the Blog:
- The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
- The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
- 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail
Where to learn more about Allison:
🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.
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