2 Night Trip Over Harrington Pass Worth It?
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:46 pm
My friend and I have found a short window in early August for a backpacking trip. We are considering Lewis Creek trail to Harrington Pass to at least look into the Gorge of Despair and the Swamp Lakes. Unfortunately, I think he'll get there too late to make a fast push up to Frypan Meadow on the first evening, but we will have 3 full days after camping near a trailhead.
The question is whether it's worth the climb to Harrington for such a short trip. If not, do you have other ideas? Both of us are level 3 backpackers, comfortable with cross country travel, but want to avoid dangerous creek crossings. We don't want heavy snow travel but don't mind a bit. We are interested in solitude, high elevation (as much as possible with the snow) the beauty of lakes, peaks, canyons, etc. A little fishing is a bonus. We plan to be light and fast this trip. A west side trailhead anywhere is fine.
The question is whether it's worth the climb to Harrington for such a short trip. If not, do you have other ideas? Both of us are level 3 backpackers, comfortable with cross country travel, but want to avoid dangerous creek crossings. We don't want heavy snow travel but don't mind a bit. We are interested in solitude, high elevation (as much as possible with the snow) the beauty of lakes, peaks, canyons, etc. A little fishing is a bonus. We plan to be light and fast this trip. A west side trailhead anywhere is fine.