Wishon to Woodchuck Country

If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada...look no further!
User avatar
rlown
Topix Docent
Posts: 8225
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 5:00 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Wilton, CA

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by rlown »

The magic word is Lor.., er, Rust.
User avatar
AaronRDavis
Topix Regular
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:26 am
Experience: Level 3 Backpacker

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by AaronRDavis »

I'd like to see his route too, in more detail. Spent some time x-country in this area last summer but I have a bunch of ideas of where I could have saved time getting from Wishon to portal lake. I'd like to know what saddle he took from scepter trail to Blackcap trail.
User avatar
iHartMK
Topix Regular
Posts: 117
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 11:43 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Visalia,California

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by iHartMK »

I love the pit toilet at Chimney Lake! :D
Living On Kaweah Time
User avatar
SSSdave
Topix Addict
Posts: 3523
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Silicon Valley
Contact:

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by SSSdave »

I had copied a topozone map into Photoshop then added some lines. I often delete stuff like that after a year or two. (: Probably have the map on a backup CD from an older desktop computer though not particularly motivated to dig for it. People in this era ought to use the free http://mapper.acme.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; when describing routes.

So enjoyed a re-read of my OP. If someone like myself or giantbrookie read the commentary of some route like this without a map, we would not have trouble figuring out where the route was though I'd expect few others to. Will have fun making you work for it. At each point below I'm referring to what is at the exact map crosshairs. Another subtle feature of the acme mapper site I find useful. Of course 40 feet per vertical line. So commented below on the OP.

A summary of our August of 2001 route follows. We set out from the trailhead
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00385,-118.94253&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

downhill 160 feet into a small stream red fir basin,
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00540,-118.93849&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

climbed up 25 feet to round a slight nose,
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00698,-118.93780&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

went down 85 feet into a smaller basin at 8120 feet,
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00815,-118.93501&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

rounded a brushy steeper nose north of of topo point 8155 (mistake, actually 8511) up 85 feet
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00945,-118.93419&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

then dropped down 25 feet to a larger level north facing basin of the mountain at 8180 feet
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00976,-118.93192&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

that was about a mile into the effort. A small marshy seasonal pond was there as were squeeters.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00925,-118.92952&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

However we were well clothed and added deet to our exposed hands and face. From that point we had to climb beyond the significant ridge due east. I chose a traversing route that climbed to an easy saddle south of point 9332.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=36.99849,-118.91780&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On such routes I tend to go methodically slow step by step. That route turned out to be moderately easy climbing without much brush or tedious down logs to navigate through.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00634,-118.92072&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00247,-118.91883&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From there, it was a long mile and one half compass challenge of flat deep often marshy forest towards where we would descend 200 feet and cross Woodchuck Creek at Indian Springs at about 8900. We actually reached the creek a bit downstream from the springs
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.00435,-118.88956&z=15&t=T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and took a long lunch break. Otherwise my whole route had gone like clockwork.
User avatar
AaronRDavis
Topix Regular
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:26 am
Experience: Level 3 Backpacker

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by AaronRDavis »

Dave,

Your post today about the route from the unnamed Hoffman Mt trailhead to Indian Springs is very much appreciated. That alone will cut a chunk of time/energy off my route to Portal lake.

Now, last summer I traversed the ridges SE of Scepter lake, eventually dropping down into crown basin and Portal lake. I didn't really like this route. From what you've said below, perhaps following your route near Scepter pass would be a wise alternative. Can you describe on the acme map the route quoted here?

The next morning we found the nearby Scepter Pass Trail and followed that a minor ways before climbing crosscountry to a saddle due east where we climbed down a rather steep loose slope to reach the Blackcap Basin Trail that saved us both considerable uphill and mileage. At the end of that weary day we had gone another 8 miles and 2000 feet to reach Pearl Lake.
Thanks again Dave, this is very helpful to me.
User avatar
SSSdave
Topix Addict
Posts: 3523
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Silicon Valley
Contact:

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by SSSdave »

AaronRDavis wrote:Dave,

Your post today about the route from the unnamed Hoffman Mt trailhead to Indian Springs is very much appreciated. That alone will cut a chunk of time/energy off my route to Portal lake.

Now, last summer I traversed the ridges SE of Scepter lake, eventually dropping down into crown basin and Portal lake. I didn't really like this route. From what you've said below, perhaps following your route near Scepter pass would be a wise alternative. Can you describe on the acme map the route quoted here?

The next morning we found the nearby Scepter Pass Trail and followed that a minor ways before climbing crosscountry to a saddle due east where we climbed down a rather steep loose slope to reach the Blackcap Basin Trail that saved us both considerable uphill and mileage. At the end of that weary day we had gone another 8 miles and 2000 feet to reach Pearl Lake.
Thanks again Dave, this is very helpful to me.
Don't understand why from what I wrote it isn't obvious?
User avatar
AaronRDavis
Topix Regular
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:26 am
Experience: Level 3 Backpacker

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by AaronRDavis »

Maybe it is. It looks like there's a couple xcountry passes one might take east of scepter, I am trying to decide which one is best.
User avatar
oldranger
Topix Addict
Posts: 2861
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Bend, Oregon

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by oldranger »

Aaron

Dave and I differ a little on the best route to hook up with the chuck pass trail. If you are heading directly to scepter area I would (and have) continue on the closed road about 1 mile until you get almost to the meadow just east of the road. You will know when there when you see spur roads and obvious dozer work east of the road. Take off to the east here,keeping away from the meadow. Follow the path of least resistance along the drainage that leads to the pass between points 9351 and 9427. This entire route can be done as fast as you can walk. From here drop a little then traverse around to the saddle just west of round corral meadow. Continue n just west of the stringer meadow that is not on the map and just e of the ridge that extends to the n. At the end of the stringer meadow turn ene until the slope drops off toward do not drop down until about 1/4 mile e of trail that goes n past round corral meadow. ((Note that there is a cow trail east of this trail but don't follow it. Try to traverse between the 9040 and 9080 contour until you get past point 9143 then angle ne and try to come in s and east of the meadow at Indian springs. After intersecting the Chuck Pass trail follow it to about 1/2 mile past chuck pass then cut off roughly ene until you intersect the trail to crown and scepter lakes. I know nothing about Scepter Pass area.

If you are heading to chimney lake cut off above route when you intersect the trail near round corral meadow. Take trail down to ford of chuck creek and after fording creek head ne to ridge line that heads almost due n (just w of the HN in John Muir on the hst map) keep to west an below talus of the basalt butte (94120+) then skirt ne to intersect the trail.

All of these routes can be taken just about as fast as you can walk the nastiest part for me is the stretch from chuck creek up to the trail to chimney--it is a hot brushy s slope and I usually take it midday.

Hope this helps. Either route works. And if you check the map out there are even some other alternatives. Note that water may be an issue this year with possibility that several miles could separate watering holes. Also much of this area still has cattle grazing.

Mike
Mike

Who can't do everything he used to and what he can do takes a hell of a lot longer!
User avatar
AaronRDavis
Topix Regular
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:26 am
Experience: Level 3 Backpacker

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by AaronRDavis »

Mike,

Your route is quite helpful. Almost a straight shot with little up/down. I sketched it out on my map. I can see how there are a handful of legitimate routes in this area. I'm not a "prolific" xcountry route finder, but I have chosen the area from Wishon to Blackcap as my learning/experimenting territory.

As I mentioned above, I'd like to specifically find the most efficient route from Chuck pass to Portal Lake. I believe this may be a good pass to get to blackcap trail, but I am hoping to find out more before I head that direction.

http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=37.04025,-11 ... %2Cunnamed" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
oldranger
Topix Addict
Posts: 2861
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Bend, Oregon

Re: Wishon to Woodchuck Country

Post by oldranger »

Aaron,

Not sure this is best way but I have traveled between point A and hummingbird lake by working my way e first on 9200 ft contour and gradually up to 9600. any higher and you will encounter talus fields.
The crux of this route is when you get to the drainage just e. of point 10006. You need to get on ridge to e and follow it up to somewhere around 10,000 feet. to the n. down below is a huge talus field. you can go above it but I think it is easier and faster to drop down the ridge a couple hundred feet and go below the talus field in a ne direction. Continue in that direction to the shallow valley just west of Crown creek then to the head to the valley and thru the gap to the narrow lake w. of Crown Creek. Then you are on your own. But it may be faster to simply head over scepter pass and hit the trail before heading east. Also when route planning go between the USA topo view and satellite view--that way you can detect ahead of time whether you are dealing with slabs :) or talus :(
I find an altimeter adjusted every time I go by a pretty certain location on the map is my best tool. I guess a gps could work too but I'm not only old but old school when it comes to navigating in the backcountry (now in my car that is a different thing :( ).

Mike
Mike

Who can't do everything he used to and what he can do takes a hell of a lot longer!
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 116 guests