Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Russell-Carillon Pass & Whitney-Russell Pass

I am hoping of the ones on this board that have gone over these two...could let me know a bit about them....I am more interested in the North side of the Russell-Carillon Pass..I have read where that side is steep..how steep?.. wondering is it large talus,or a mixture with scree? is it going to be loose, solid...how difficult will it be going down it with a full on backpack?..It looks like the Whitney-Russell Pass is pretty gentle on both sides?? Is that one going to be more scree or talus? Any info or suggestions I sure would appreciate..
Thanks everyone!

It's been a while, 1961 & 1965, but I went over the Russell-Carillon Pass with a full (45-50 lb) pack. North Side is steep, mostly solid and I agree with Secor's rating of Class 2-3. I suspect Laura et al or Bob R who have done it recently could give a more up to date account.

I don't recall any real difficulty, just take it slow and work your way down into the Wales, Wallace basins.

Hi, Anita!

Looking back down from the top of R-C 9(5-17-09):



I'd actually say the north side, while steeper, is preferable to the approach from Clyde Meadow!! The long walk up the scree is definitely a slog, although there are "use trails" and cairns marking rough routes to the top. It's kind of a pick your own way kind of thing. The drop down the north side is short, with good, solid rock and ledges, primarily Class 2 with a few Class 3 reaches between ledges (longer legs here so not so much of a drop). There are some loose rocks along this pile-up, though, so check your hand and foot holds carefully.

Hope this helps!

-L

Thank you both so much! Sorry I am so late getting back on here!

Laura...Thanks for posting that pic...I remember your adventure and looked at that album again. I think I rather drop down the North side of the Russ/Car. pass than go up it with a full on pack..if need be I can do the butt scooch on those few Cl3 moves..and having the reach with longer legs will help me..I guess one advantage our height helps

Going this way and following the Wales/Wallace drainage down would bring me in a bit closer to get into the Kaweah Basin....I don't know yet if this adventure is going to happen..but I am hoping it does..Wales/Wallace basin has also been on my to go list to see..also Tulainyo Lake I really want to see that beauty!

Thank you both again!
Happy summer and safe adventures!

Anita:

I am SO a proponant of prehensile buttocks! I've torn a few pant seats on my travels...

Have a wonderful time on that trip! The W/W Drainage is a spectacular area (I still smile when I think of the trip from last September), and to get to the Kaweahs! So jealous!

-L

http://www.summitpost.org/trip-report/243452/north-ridge-epic.html

I did a route with Tom and Gordon a few years back. Tom was the navigator and wrote a TR. A link is provided above.

I have very firmly informed my Boy Scouts that the "prehensile buttocks" are my fifth point of contact!!!!

HA!! Me too Laura..I loved one pair so much I patched them and still wore them!...Thank you again..I do hope this trip will happen this summer.

legatjoe...thanks for that link...nice TR