Kuna Crest Saddle (a.k.a. "Helen Lake Pass")
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2017 6:45 pm
Kuna Crest Saddle
GENERAL OVERVIEW: The cross-country pass at the south head of Helen Lake; the pass connects the Parker Creek watershed to the north with the Kuna Creek headwaters to the south.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: HST Map
ELEVATION: 11,883 ft.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Southwest to Northeast): From the west side, ascend to the pass on broad grassy and sandy slopes. The trekking on the west side is easy class 1-2. Aim for the lowest point on the saddle, as marked on the HST map. From the top of the pass, look towards Helen Lake (below) and plan your descent route. The NE side of the pass is steeper than the SW side; the NE side is mostly large tallus and boulders, requiring some class 3 moves to scramble over the bigger boulders. [EDIT: See the comment below by @giantbrookie -- the NE side can be entirely class 2 if you follow a northernly route. ] Once you reach Helen Lake, traverse around the south shore and cross its outlet stream. As you descend to Parker Creek, keep the outlet stream on your right; this will keep you on easy class 1-2 slopes. The other side of the outlet has mildly annoying tallus.
GENERAL OVERVIEW: The cross-country pass at the south head of Helen Lake; the pass connects the Parker Creek watershed to the north with the Kuna Creek headwaters to the south.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 2
LOCATION: HST Map
ELEVATION: 11,883 ft.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION (Southwest to Northeast): From the west side, ascend to the pass on broad grassy and sandy slopes. The trekking on the west side is easy class 1-2. Aim for the lowest point on the saddle, as marked on the HST map. From the top of the pass, look towards Helen Lake (below) and plan your descent route. The NE side of the pass is steeper than the SW side; the NE side is mostly large tallus and boulders, requiring some class 3 moves to scramble over the bigger boulders. [EDIT: See the comment below by @giantbrookie -- the NE side can be entirely class 2 if you follow a northernly route. ] Once you reach Helen Lake, traverse around the south shore and cross its outlet stream. As you descend to Parker Creek, keep the outlet stream on your right; this will keep you on easy class 1-2 slopes. The other side of the outlet has mildly annoying tallus.