- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Foerster Peak
12,061 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Foerster Peak
Foerster Peak is a 12,061 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Face via Isberg Pass Trail: 39 mi, 7,685 ft of gain, Class 2.
Foerster Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,061 ft3,676 m
- RouteSouthwest Face via Isberg Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance39 mi7,685 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Face via Isberg Pass Trail
From Oakhurst, take CA 41 to Bass Lake and follow Beasore Road (or Minarets Road from North Fork) to Clover Meadow, then Forest Road 5S30 to the Isberg trailhead. The long dirt drive is fine for cars. Hike the Isberg Pass Trail past Cora and Sadler Lakes, leave it near the Isberg Lakes, and cross the ridge to Harriet Lake and the head of Foerster Creek. The southwest face and south ridge are Class 2 to easy Class 3, and the leftmost chute is loose. Overnight trips need a Sierra National Forest wilderness permit, booked up to six months ahead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Storms
Quests with Foerster Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Foerster Peak?
Foerster Peak is 12,061 feet (3,676 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Foerster Peak?
The Southwest Face via Isberg Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 39 miles with 7,685 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Foerster Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Face via Isberg Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Foerster Peak?
The Southwest Face via Isberg Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 39 miles with 7,685 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Foerster Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Foerster Peak reaches 12,061 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Foerster Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Foerster Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list