High Sierra Topix

here are some photos of the Lyell Fk area that might help. They have snow, but you can still get an idea of terrain.

So Upper Lyell Fork and Hutchings Creek Basins are still on my agenda as well. I read somewhere that the saddle just east of Peak 11210 (straight west of Mt Ansel Adams) may be an alternative to Foerster Ridge. It looks like a stroll on the south side, and the elevation is a good bit lower than Foerster Ridge, though the descent into Upper Lyell Fork may not be as spectacular. Has anyone been this way?

Also, is "Harriet Pass" the next saddle south of Blue Lake Pass or is it somewhere on the long ridge to the north of Long Mountain? I can't find much mention of it anywhere (books or internet), but I was hoping to check out Harriet Lake anyway, so this may be the way to do it.

As for Ionian Basin, Manoftoomanysports, I've definitely checked out your report and found it to be quite helpful (thanks for that!). That place just looks to be really unique and I'm pretty excited to see it in person. As of now, I'm looking to go in over Black Giant Pass, through Martha and Davis to McGee Lakes, and out over McGee Pass to Sapphire Lake, though It's good to know that Wanda and Davis Lakes Passes are available if need be.

Thanks again
Pete

Never have done this entire route but – Maybe because it did not have a fancy name back then.

Catherine to Upper Three Island, stayed high, almost due West – hitting the Northern TI Lake from above…slab and talus (mostly around Catherine) but a class 2 stroll.

From Harriet, wanted to see Rockbound, Blue and Bench Canyon. From Upper Harriet (the most eastern Harriet) went SE, crossing the crest at the gap, (Pass name?) just north of Long Mountain – east then northeast (never got down to Rockbound) and made my way up to Blue Lake – magic place.…again Talus slab but obvious class 2/3 route up… my way up to Blue, actually bit messy; the route on the way back came easier but both solo doable...returned to Harriet the same way the next day.

Last year at Harriet again, this time with the OldRanger, he described his past route to Blue/Bench Canyon as crossing a little north of the Harriet’s – ridge 11,200. He said that is where the SHR crosses over but to me, just looking at things from Harriet, my way looked easier and was slightly lower in elevation.

I've never been thru lower on Foerster ridge. I've skied to the low spot and it always has a huge cornice on the north side (even last May). I don't seem to have a photo showing it.

I've used "Harriet Pass" summer and winter, nice walk. It's the low spot just north of Long Mountain.

John

Thanks, all, for the replies, especially John with the photos. That helped a lot.