🔥Cast Iron, Rainbow Trout, and the Magic of Open-Fire Cooking in the Eastern Sierras
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🔥 There’s something primal, almost sacred, about cooking over open flame. No timers. No gadgets. No cell phones (not that there’s reception up there anyway). Just fire, iron, instinct, and hopefully fresh fish. It’s cooking stripped to its essence, where flavor is forged, not finessed.
From August 7–10, 2025, I traded city sidewalks for meandering mountain rivers and alpine lakes, climbing 9,500 feet into the Eastern Sierra wilderness, a place where the air smells like pine and possibility. Up there, surrounded by silence and sky, every crackle of the fire felt like a heartbeat. We camped beneath a full moon that was so bright, lanterns were unnecessary. The glow lit up the side of the mountain, our campsite, and the steam rising from that first night cast iron dinner.
🚗🎣 Day One
Lake Ellery Campground
After a sleepless night leading into a ridiculous 3am departure, followed by a six-hour drive, we rolled up to our destination at Lake Ellery Campground.
Lake Ellery
Lee Vining Creek
Our own slice of heaven—just steps away from the campsite. We spent countless hours wading through the cold mountain water, nestled in camp chairs right in the middle of the creek, often with a refreshing beverage in hand, and, of course, fishing. This serene setting created the perfect backdrop for relaxing and reconnecting with nature, making every moment unforgettable.
The Rainbow Haul
The first day fishing at the dam side of Lake Ellery proved to be our most successful outing of the entire trip.
The Perfect Cast Iron Rainbow Trout
As dusk settled in, we gathered kindling and built a fire, letting the logs burn down to glowing coals. The skillet went onto the adjustable grate, heating evenly until the butter hit with a sizzle that echoed through the trees. Then came the trout—skin crisping perfectly, meat flaking apart effortlessly, bones sliding out like they knew their time was up.
No store-bought seasoning. Just butter, salt, and pepper. That’s it.
It was the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after the first bite—not from fatigue, but from pure gratitude. Best trout I’ve ever had. Scratch that—best fish, period.
🥾🎣Day Two
If night one was about simplicity, night two was pure indulgence. First up, the potatoes—cubed, tossed with sliced onions, salt, and a generous splash of butter. We let them cook low and slow, stirring occasionally until the edges browned and the onions melted into sweet, smoky ribbons.
Next, we seasoned thick-cut bone-in pork chops with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder, then seared them in the same cast iron skillet until the edges caramelized and the fat crisped like bacon. The scent alone could’ve started a stampede. It was rustic. It was rich. And it was exactly what you crave after a day of hiking, fishing, and soaking in alpine silence.
🎣Day 3 - Our Final Full Day
🪵 Why Cast Iron Wins in the Wild
Cast iron isn’t just cookware—it’s a campfire companion. Here’s why it earns a permanent spot in your pack:
Why It Matters
🔥 Heat retention stays hot, sears beautifully, and cooks evenly
🍳 Flavor layering builds depth with every use—seasoning is memory
🛠️ Durability—drop it, scorch it, bury it in coals—it still wins
🔄 Versatility—fry, bake, sauté, or flip it for griddle action
I’ve cooked on gas ranges, electric stoves, and outdoor grills. But nothing beats the flavor—and the feel—of cast iron over open flame. It’s a portal to a forgotten time and place.
🌲 Campfire Cooking Tips for the Bold and Hungry
Want to level up your cast iron game in the wild? Here’s how:
Pre-season before you go: A well-oiled skillet is your best friend.
Pack high-fat ingredients: Butter, bacon grease, ghee—stick-free and flavor-packed.
Use a grate or flat rock: Stabilize for even heat.
Let the fire settle: hot coals vs. flames improve control and consistency.
Clean with grit: Sand, salt, or chainmail—ditch the soap.
✨ Final Bite
That first night in the Sierras, eating trout by firelight, reminded me why I love cast iron. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about connection. To the land. To the moment. To the people around the fire.
And that second night? Pork chops and potatoes turned a campsite into a kitchen. Cast iron doesn’t just cook—it elevates.
So next time you pack for the wild, skip the freeze-dried meals and bring your skillet. You might just catch dinner—and a story worth telling.
🔥 Have you cooked with cast iron in the wild? Drop your favorite campfire recipe or tag me in your next outdoor feast. Let’s keep the fire (and the flavor) alive.
