Log Crossing the Middle Fork Kings River in Le Conte Canyon

[Bishop_Bob]

Rogue Photonic's 111-day trip report from 2012 (on whitneyzone.com) mentions a downed tree crossing the Middle Fork of the Kings River near the ranger hut in Le Conte Canyon. Does this crossing still exist, and if so, is it safe or sketchy? I'm looking for a route that will take me from Ladder Lake over the MFKR so I can access the Dumbbell Lakes area.

[Enigmagic]

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this is Grouse Meadows looking up towards Ladder Lake (follow the valley towards the top left corner) in August 2019. looked marshy and deep in some spots but much better than backtracking towards the ranger station.

[commonloon]

I had considered crossing over and going up into the Dumbbell Lakes area last year.... There were some trees down near where Cataract - Glacier - Palisades Creek meet (east side of creek looking west):

SHR-JMT-Middle Fork - 1 of 1.jpeg

I didn't really seriously look around for a safe/good crossing, as I had to decided to go further North and ended up coming back via the Middle Fork trail. I took the photo to use it for the GPS point in case I wanted to come back.

[Bishop_Bob]

Loon, can you clarify - did this log cross Palisade Creek?

[commonloon]

Yes, Palisade Creek. Sorry, I didn't read your original post carefully enough (re near Ranger station). I didn't fully assess if it was doable either.

I've been wanting to hit both Dumbbell lakes and Ladder Lake (and checkout The Citadel up close) for some time. So, your post peaked my interest.