Forester Pass
The PCT/JMT ascends the pass gradually from the north and switchbacks precipitously down its sheer southern side.
History
Originally documented by a group of United States Forest Service workers, it was subsequently named in their honor. On August 26, 1930, four men—including 18-year-old Donald Downs—were injured during construction of the trail over the pass. A boulder let loose during blasting of the trail crushed Downs' arm. The men were evacuated by stretcher, Downs to Baxter Cabin and the others to Independence. Mr. Down's arm was amputated. He died on September 2, 1930, from complications of surgery. A plane crashed at Tyndall Creek after dropping medicine for Downs. A plaque commemorating his death is found on the southern side of the pass, most easily seen while walking in a northerly direction.
References
- ^ "Forester Pass". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ Erwin G. Gudde (1998). California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names, Fourth edition. ISBN 0-520-21316-5.
- ^ Farabee, Charles R. "Butch" Jr. (2005-04-07). Death, Daring, and Disaster: Search and Rescue in the National Parks. Taylor Trade Publications. pp. 107–109. ISBN 9781461661856.
External links
- Media related to Forester Pass at Wikimedia Commons