Feather-light pass
Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 7:53 pm
Name: Feather-light pass (unofficial)
Overview: This pass connects La Salle Lake to the mini-canyon holding Den Lake. It parallels Feather pass but is appreciably easier (and lower).
Class: 2
Location: Inyo National Forest
Elevation: !2,200 (and change)
USGSTopo map: Mt. Hilgard
HST Map: HST Map
Among the many access conduits into Bear Lake basin from the East, this is the easiest I've encountered. You can reach it from about midway around La Salle Lake and then work your way up the hillside to the ridge. No surprises. No loose rock. Clear signs that other folk have availed themselves of this shortcut (think cairns). But, for some reason it has not entered the common vernacular, ergo this post. If the East side is a straightforward class 2 climb, the West side is a snooze. Well, that's because we had snow to glissade on almost down to Den. In later season, you might actually have to walk in sand/gravel. All in all, a very nice way to meet (or depart) the Bears. Now for the photos:
Overview: This pass connects La Salle Lake to the mini-canyon holding Den Lake. It parallels Feather pass but is appreciably easier (and lower).
Class: 2
Location: Inyo National Forest
Elevation: !2,200 (and change)
USGSTopo map: Mt. Hilgard
HST Map: HST Map
Among the many access conduits into Bear Lake basin from the East, this is the easiest I've encountered. You can reach it from about midway around La Salle Lake and then work your way up the hillside to the ridge. No surprises. No loose rock. Clear signs that other folk have availed themselves of this shortcut (think cairns). But, for some reason it has not entered the common vernacular, ergo this post. If the East side is a straightforward class 2 climb, the West side is a snooze. Well, that's because we had snow to glissade on almost down to Den. In later season, you might actually have to walk in sand/gravel. All in all, a very nice way to meet (or depart) the Bears. Now for the photos: