Day 17 on the John Muir Trail…
We awoke just before sunrise, with frozen beads of condensation clinging to outside of our tent. It was chilly. Boil water! Make coffee! Stat!

Cumulative Distance: 169.5 miles
Total Ascent: 2,194 ft
Cumulative Ascent: 44,734 ft
Harrison Map Sheets 4 and 3
As we headed up towards Lake Marjorie, we saw a note from Jeffrey and Hari taped to one of the trail signs. We were instructed to “stop by the ranger station.” We took a break and wandered about a 1/4 mile off trail to the ranger station — no more than a seasonal tent cabin. We chatted with the rangers and learned that Jeffrey and Hari were doing fine (as were we). They would relay a radio message up ahead to let them know all was well. Good communication and collaboration from all involved. Lake Marjorie was a beautiful blue that mirrored the blue skies we enjoyed. The air was brisk, but the sun warm, and with 5.5 miles behind us, we were feeling good. We stopped for lunch on a rock outcropping overlooking the last unnamed lake before Pinchot Pass.
Pinchot was a pretty easy pass, as far as passes go. Our vertical gain was “only” about 2,200 feet. When we reached the pass, we stopped and visited with a trio of backpackers on a week-long trip.


We followed the creek down the basin into a narrow canyon dotted with waterfalls, and stopped for the night at the first campsite we found, sharing with a young couple from Quebec.
Our Evening Ritual on the JMT
Each night at camp, we went through more or less the same routine. Our evening ritual began with setting up the tent. Then, down to the creek to filter water. We would typically fill the four 32-ounce bottles, pumping the water through the filter. It’s a chore, but a necessary part of the routine. After refilling our water, we’d settle down to preparing dinner. Pumping and priming my white fuel stove, then boiling water for a hot beverage and our rehydrated dinner. We’d use our bear canisters as stools as we filled our bellies with a warm meal, then clean everything up. Most nights, we were in bed by 9pm. Sometimes, we’d take turns reading aloud from a cheesy paperback novel we brought along, or simply talking about the day behind… or the day ahead. Sleep comes easily, and is well-earned on the John Muir Trail.
Trail Map: Kings River to Pinchot Pass to Woods Creek
JMT Day 17 Photo Gallery
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Tomorrow, we head from Woods Creek to Rae Lakes.
Originally hiked on August 12, 2010.
My husband is currently hiking the JMT so I am following your posts from back here in England to have an idea of what it’s like, I think your photos are wonderful and wonder what camera you used? He just has his iphone with him as going very ultra light and traveling alone. Altho he said in an email that he has not camped alone any night!
Lucinda, most of my photos from the JMT trip were taken with my Canon SD780. It’s a small point-and-shoot but did a pretty great job. If I were to hike the JMT today, I’d probably do the same thing your husband is doing and use my iPhone. That’s what I use for most of the photos on the more recent trail guides I write here at SoCalHiker.
Hope he has (had?) an awesome trip. I’d love to see his photos!
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