.This would allow us to stay on the north side of the east fork all the way to huckleberry. Do you think that is a reasonable option? Would it be better to take this north fork route that you sent and try to cross it higher? At least on the map it looks like the north fork widens out a bit and has some meadows where it joins the east fork. - I don't have fond memories of the trail between Lord Meadow and Huckleberry. It stays away from the creek for most of the hike. I'm sure you could do it with a little off trail detouring. On Google Earth it looks like there is a section where the creek runs at the base of a cliff shortly after leaving LM. You would have to get around that. Lord Meadow was rough going and unspectacular. I have no desire to return to it.
Personally I would drop down from Yellowhammer and follow the North Fork up to Cow Meadow looking for a crossing along the way. It's off trail and relatively easy going. When I did it there were cairns to lead us around any difficult sections. There are lots of beautiful falls and pools to check out. Also, if the water is too high to cross you can stay North of the creek and not be forced into a crossing. If you take the East fork to Huckleberry that will force you to cross the North fork when you return. There is still a fair amount of snow in the upper sections of that watershed. The creek might be dangerous to cross or uncrossable. Options are good to have...
