Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board North Fork Big Pine Creek- First campsite?

I want to take my daughter on a 2 night backpack trip right after school lets out. Trying for moderate elevation the first night.

I was thinking North Fork of Big Pine Creek. Trailhead elevation is 7800' which is good, but the first lake is around 10,000' which is a bit higher than I would prefer. I was wondering if there are any spots to camp near the Lon Cheney cabin at Cienega Mirth that aren't too close to the cabin or trail? Last time I was there (20 years ago) it was rather dense aspens.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, there is a spot just above second falls on the left. Get to the falls, go up the granite stair case and look to your left just as the trail begins to level off. About two miles up the trail. Trail work crews use this site periodically. Couple of others between there and Cheney's cabin.

Thanks. That looks like a good spot if we are moving slow.