Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Bear Cannisters on White Mt.?

We're planning to acclimate in the White Mt area prior to climbing Whitney in mid-September. Should we expect bears that time of year?

Bear canisters aren't needed for that area. They will be required on the Whitney Main Trail but not for White Mountain.

Kurt-
I was up at Rainier and summited with RMI on July 2. When I mentioned that I had been climbing in the Sierras, one of our guides, Joel Kauffman mentioned your name. He had nothing but great things to say about yourself and your company.

Right on... congratulations on reaching the summit of Rainier!

I worked as a guide on Mt. Rainier for a long time (started in 1991). Since things are so busy here in the Sierra I don't get too many opportunities to get up there now but always enjoy it when I do. It's a great mountain. I have a lot of friends who still work as guides up there.

Way to go on Rainier! What route did you do?

Kurt-
We did the standard Disappointment Cleaver route.
Up to Muir day one, then across the Cowlitz glacier, over the rock, up past Ingram Flats, over to the nose of the Cleaver, up the cleaver then zig zag to the top. I am sure you are quite familiar with it!
We were quite happy to be the first team to summit in 6 or 7 days. It stormed for several days then the new snow presented avalanche danger until the day we climbed.
Others you might know on the mountain that day: Win Whattaker was our lead guide. He had to take four clients down that turned at the top of the Cleaver. Andreas ?, a great natured guide from Columbia/Colorado. Brent ?, an RMI guide who was leading a private climb on his day off. This was his 247th Rainier summit (or something like that)!
My son and I are headed for the Palisades on Saturday with the intent to get on top of all 7 of the 14'er there over a 9 or 10 day period. Have you been up there again recently?
Gary

Never seen or heard of bears in the White Mountains. IF you've got a canister, you might want to bring it along to keep squirrels and mice out of your food and use it as a seat.

Most of the hikes in the Whites are day trips, so you'll probably be overnighting at the car campground while up there. If no bear canister, I'd suggest putting all food in an ice chest and lock it shut with some light chain and a simple padlock to keep "varmits" out; they're crafty and persistant, but not intelligent enough to pick a lock . . . at least not yet!

Hi Gary,

Yup I've been in the Palisades not too long ago. Let me know if you have questions.

Yes you met some of my friends during your Rainier climb. They're great people up there. I'm glad you had a good climb. Congrats once again.

Feel free to email me too. That way we won't hijack this thread anymore than we already have

All the best,

Kurt

Thanks for the tips on food storage...very helpful.

Kurt, I'll be joining you for the Mountaineer's Route in September. Thought my Portland friends would enjoy staying at least one night in the Whites before joining you on the other side.

Susan T.

Kurt,
My brother, a friend, and I will be visiting the Palisades via North Big Pine Creek in a couple of weeks. We'll probably stay one or two nights around Sam Mack Meadow. I'm content to just scout out the area for future reference and I'd like see or stand on the glacier before it melts. I also wouldn't mind bagging Mt. Sill if we all feel good about it. We're all in our 50's and I've done Mt. Shasta, Mt. Whitney, and numerous smaller peaks. We're not rookies, but we're not experienced mountaineers either. We generally haven't used ropes or helmets, and haven't use crampons in several years. My question is this if you're familiar with that area-- can we scramble up to Mt. Sill from the Palisades Glacier or is that too ambitious unless we have the more technical equipment and a guide? Thanks for any info you can offer.