Sierra Trail Talk

[MTBMaven]

Warning this is not about biking. For those that are offended by sites of things other than biking, especially non-mountain biking, please exit this post as you will be deeply offended.

Three of my long time buddies headed up to the Sierra for some backpacking and hopes of bagging a 14er, Mt. Russell (14,088 ft.). We originally had permits, since February, to climb Mt. Williamson (second highest peak in CA) and Mt. Tyndall (another CA 14er). Unfortunately four days before we were to start our hike the Inyo National Forest called to tell me there was a fire around the trailhead and that we would have to look elsewhere. After many alternate plans we decided on hiking from Cottonwood Meadows, around the west side of Mt. Langley and Mt Whitney, climb over the Whitney Russell Saddle and out the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, tagging Mt. Russell along the way.

The weather report called for unstable weather and chances of dry lightning turning to thunderstorms later in the week. Not the best forecast by a long shot. At this point two of the original group of 7 backed out of the trip. Then another member backed out due to issues at work. We were down to four total.

I headed up to Lone Pine on Wednesday (7/12) morning with another group member (Bill) to get "walk up" permits at the ranger station in Lone Pine and to hang out at Whiteny Portal to acclimate. We got the permits without trouble and proceeded to Whitney Portal. After a nice nap, playing with our gear for a few hours, and listening to two This Week In Tech podcasts the remaining group members finally arrived (it was 11:00 PM). Luckily they brought Jagermeister as compensation for their tardiness.

We left one car at the Portal and headed over to Cottonwood Meadows. The next morning we got a nice early start at about...oh...9:00AM. A good alpine start by anyones book. Our first day took us past the Cottonwood Lake,

over Old Army Pass

(where we saw llamas at the top)

over the Sierra Crest into Sequoia National Park

and finally to Soldier Lake

The first day was about 10 miles of hiking with our pack full of food.

Our next day continued north eventually connecting with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Over Guyot Pass

to Crabtree Meadows

(That's Russell in the background. It's the one that looks like a peak amongst a bunch of ridgelines.) Total mileage was around 12 that day.

Up until now we had perfect weather. A high pressure system sat right down on top of us, it was hot and no clouds. Unfortunately on Saturday we woke up in Crabtree Meadows to clouds, which moved it at night. This was not a good sign. I could tell by the type of clouds that the weather had turned and our window of opportunity to summit Russell might be closing.


The hike from Crabtree to Guitar Lake was amazing. Perfect alpine Sierra hiking near treeline.




We arrive at Guitar Lake around noon. The clouds were getting bigger and we were now about 30 minutes above treeline. Afternoon in the Sierra above treeline is no place to hang out when the weather is getting worse. Rather than retreat we decided to see what the weather would do for a few hours before proceeding to Arctic Lake.

Around 2:00PM we decided to make our move up to Arctic Lake. At this point we were off trail climbing rock piles. It was so beautiful.





Feeling even more like our window weather was closing we decided to make an attempt on Russell. So far there was no lightning and no rain. Ever cloud seemed to dissipate as it got over Mt. Whitney (just south of Mt Russell). The path also became very steep, I estimate about a 50-60 degree slope.

(This picture was at approximately 13,000 ft.)

Unfortunately it started raining. Now at this point we probably could have continued. However I have been way too close to lightning in the Sierra twice and was not about to do it again. I had to make the unpopular decision to get to the saddle as quickly as possible and get to lower elevation.

Picture take at the Whitney Russell Saddle, approximate elevation 13,500 ft.


We camped at Upper Boy Scout Lake


The hike out the North Fork "trail" was quite pretty but very grueling on the body.






I hope to get back up the North Fork again this fall to see if we can summit Mt. Russell.

[dstepper]

Very, very nice Brian Thank You.

Do you think we could rent those Llamas to shuttle our bikes up?

Dean

[sheclimbs]

Brian thanks for sharing, Beautiful. IMO, a mountain is a mountian doesn't really matter what man power you use to get there.

[Bergsteiger]

Nice pics Dr. sorry you didn't summit. We'll take care of business this fall.

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by Bergsteiger

Nice pics Dr. sorry you didn't summit. We'll take care of business this fall.

I'm already mentally planning the fall trip and making notes on way to make the trip fast and light. I just hope to get the time and good weather to make it happen. This time you and Dane better be there.

[Schecky]

Demon llamas!
Really nice HR.

[OMR]

Know that area very well... spent quite a bit of time rock climbing there. You were very wise to get lower once the front had moved in... been in lightning storms above tree line... don't like it! Hate that ozone smell... how did you like coming down the ledges from Boy Scout with packs on ?(he he he).

Also, try the Mountaineer's Route up Whitney if you haven't done it... so many climbs... not enough time!

OMR

PS: How were the blood sucking bugs this year?

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by mtber3737

how did you like coming down the ledges from Boy Scout with packs on ?(he he he).

The Whitney Russell Saddle is a bit north of the Mountaineers Route. There is a use trail coming off the third class route on the south face of Russell we followed. The route wasn't that bad even with packs on. I would want to go up it with those packs that's for sure.

Originally Posted by mtber3737

PS: How were the blood sucking bugs this year?

Not bad at all. It has been such a dry year you would have thought it was the fall or something there were so few bugs.

On the lightning subject, I have had two close calls. One was near Meyson Lakes. I was about 200 yards from the lake when it was hit by a lightning strike. You could feel the energy coming off the strike. The scariest time was towards the upper end of Lyell Canyon. It started raining, then hailing as we set up are tent by this lake and stand of trees. We climbed inside and about two seconds later could see the lightning strike through the double walled tent. We grabbed our stuff and bolted down the trail until things cleared.

[CC]

Some of the pix are unreal, they look too perfect. Thanks for sharing!

[Johnny Dirt]

Great pics, thanx Brian.