Reaching Tehipite Valley from the Dome

[mcbobgorge]

Hello all- I've been lurking here for a few years but this is my first post.

I'm currently planning a backpacking trip to Tehipite Dome from the Rancheria TH, following this general outline:
https://caltopo.com/m/NT3H

However, it's quite the circuitous route to go from the summit of the Dome down to the valley floor (11 miles, with a significant amount of that being masochistic bushwhacking). I love a good time, but I'm not sure how much I'd love that route.

Is there a class 3 (or easier) way to get down from the dome to the valley in a more direct route? I'm no expert but it seems nearly impossible to descent via Crown Creek or Blue Canyon without ropes. Could there be another way?

Thanks for any and all responses (and for providing such a comprehensive database of information that I haven't felt the need to post until now)!

-Nate

[thegib]

Low elevation bushwhacks pose scarier misery than alpine ones. Poison oak and rattlesnakes in addition to the thornbrush/manzanita. The natives probably burned it occasionally to make it possible, but now? Rough.