Justin Lichter and Shawn Forry are 180 miles from the Mexican border and the completion of their remarkable winter thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. They started in October and have been snowshoeing, skiing and hiking ever since.
Journeys on the PCT are remarkably personal. The trail is truly a place to see what makes you tick, from physical to emotional to spiritual. Trauma and Pepper (the duo’s trail names) are longtime PCT hikers and wonderful ambassadors, showing the way for how to use, advocate for and love the Pacific Crest Trail.
You’re right near the terminus. What’s running through your mind?
Justin: Each day as we get closer it feels surreal. These are the places and miles we have been struggling and dreaming about getting to for months. It is bittersweet though because it also signifies that we are near the end of the journey…but at the same time that much closer to getting ice cream!
Shawn: I’m an inherent planner, so naturally my mind starts to focus on the post-trip details and plans. I’m trying to keep my mind focused on the present and savor every last moment and mile, but it’s been hard, especially since my family will be there to greet me at the end.
It’s funny how small events throughout the day will trigger prior memories from the trip. It feels like ages ago when we were in Washington just starting off. Even now, having been traveling in the dry warm desert for the last 500 miles, I forget what it was like to be constantly cold and wet. Maybe I’ve grown soft already. We had a recent snowstorm through the San Jacinto area and I had to pause and ask myself how we managed to push through hundreds of miles of foul weather. It’s amazing what you are capable of when you are in the moment and the options are limited.
It will be mixed feelings getting to the end for sure. All good things must come to an end which is a constant reminder to enjoy what’s right in front of you. It will take a long time to process this trip in full and I’m sure I will have an even deeper appreciation for our time and effort in the coming months and years.
At a boiling pool in Lassen National Park.
The brutal act of needing to heat up water over an alcohol stove in order to de-ice your ski binding.
What was the most challenging section on your winter thru-hike?
Justin: It is hard to pinpoint one challenging section — so much depended on the weather and the snow conditions that we were dealing with. The High Sierras were definitely challenging, as were the Trinity Alps. Ironically the Warm Springs Indian Reservation area in Oregon, which in the summer is one of the flattest and easiest section of trail, was also really hard since we were post-holing through two feet of snow with a rain crust on top and that’s where we got frostbite.
Shawn: Honestly, the desert section has come as a surprise as one of the toughest sections, mentally. Once we crossed Forester Pass in the High Sierra, it felt like the closing of a major chapter. We transitioned into easier trail miles on clear trail and warmer days; things we’ve been looking forward to for 2,000 miles. All of the worry, anxiety and excitement were gone. It made me realize how much the themes of challenge and adventure were the drivers of this trip. Once you know you can do something it just becomes a matter of calculated time and effort. The lack of snow throughout Southern California acted as a daily reminder of the trip we once had. We went from melting snow to 35-mile waterless stretches and tan lines. Maybe that’s just my Type II personality coming out though.
Winter on the PCT/JMT segment below the Ritter Range.
Skiing across Duck Lake near Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
Trauma and Pepper on Forester Pass, the highest point of the Pacific Crest Trail.
What would you like people to know about the PCT?
Justin: The PCT is amazing! It is mind blowing that you can have a well-maintained single track hiking trail that travels the entire length of the country (2,650 miles) and is scenic for its entirety. The variety and diversity of ecosystems and terrain along the way is awesome.
Shawn: Nowhere in the world can you travel for over 2,600 miles on continuous trail tread through such a variety of terrain, ecology and national landmarks. I view the PCT as a capstone and symbol for America’s value of wilderness and conservation. As with anything sacred and the growing popularity of the trail, it will be up to all of us to act as stewards to protect and preserve the trail. This includes both on-trail impact and the relationship between hiker and town.
If anything, I hope people take away from this trip that the PCT is a year-round experience. There are large sections of the trail that are much more enjoyable during the non-peak summer months and can provide a whole new perspective and dimension to the landscape. The desert is lush and in bloom, and the mountains are snow-capped and tranquil.
Walking dry trail in the Southern Sierra, with skis on back, is a sign of the terribly dry winter the western United States is experiencing.
What are you going to do when you’re done with this winter hike?
Justin: Go skiing and hopefully skate enough to be ready for the 45-kilometer Royal Gorge Gold Rush in two weeks!
Shawn: Probably lay on a beach or get a massage or something! It always takes a few weeks to adjust back to non-trail life and catch up on the life you put on hold for months. Seeing friends and family is always on the top of the list. Strange to say, but work is a pleasant transition. Working with Outward Bound, I have the opportunity to pay forward the lessons I learn from the trail. It serves as both a reminder to my own experiences and hopefully provides the courage and drive in others to achieve their dreams.
Southern California and the start of the final 700 miles of desert and mountains.
Want more about their winter thru-hike? Visit their websites at justinlichter.com and shawnforry.com and read our first article Meet the two guys winter thru-hiking the PCT (with 19 incredible photos).