High Sierra Topix

@cgundersen, Thanks for your post. I know, blast from the past (yay search tool!), but still very helpful since I'm considering connecting upper Hutchings Creek basin -> Lewis Creek basin. Sounds like "Pothole Lake" Pass it is.

The saddle in your photo, from Hutchins to Lyell Fork is Sluggo Pass. I went over it the other direction (from the Lyell Fork). When I did it the gully was full of steep hard snow, so I traversed the slabs and ledges to the left (on the photo). It was a bit scary. Quite wet, slippy and mossy. And really steep too. I was a happy camper when I reached flatter ground. I have also dropped down slabs from Hutchins to the lower Lyell Fork and then gone up to the bench with the lakes. I think this way is easier, although it is a lot of elevation drop and gain. At least it is not terrifying.

I have been to Hutchins twice- both times after high snow years- it was really green in the lower lakes. I did not see any fish although did not try to fish. I added a loop into Hutchins when I did Roper's High Route. Yes, it would be better than his trail walking and totally more in line with the rest of his route. Three photos below from 2010.

[rimg]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg23 ... tchins.jpg[/rimg]

[rimg]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg23 ... insLks.jpg[/rimg]

[rimg]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg23 ... lowers.jpg[/rimg]