Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Winter Access Forum Upper Boy Scout vs. "Girl Scout" vs. "Iceburg"

Greetings--

We're hiking up the North Fork next week (Up Weds, down Thurs) with the hope of bagging the peak via the MR Thursday Morning. We're spending Tuesday day and night at the Portal campgrounds (in an RV :))

It's our first time up Whitney and I'm looking for a little beta on where to camp Weds night.

I've heard/read that while Iceburg is close, making for an easier summit the next day, it's a little exposed, and if there's much wind it's not a fun place to camp.

I've heard/read that Upper Boy scout is a good place to camp, but it's a little farther from the peak, but from what I can tell, it seems that a lot of people camp there.

I've only heard/read of a few people that use "Girl Scout" lake as a camp spot, although from what I can tell (topo and trip reports), that it'd probably be a good spot. (seems sheltered, a tiny bit higher than UBSL, but more of a straight shot to the summit).

So...I realize that I can't tell everything from topos...does anyone have an opinion on one over the other?

Thanks!

Girl Scout Lake is beautiful, out of the way and pretty-much private, as far as having it to yourself. Upper Boy Scout Lake does draw the climbers, but has some nice sites, particularly on the north side of the lake with large rock enclosures and small trees giving some shade and extra ambience, if you like trees around. Girl Scout Lake is above tree line, and requires extra walking to get back on route for the MR. This early on and during the week, there should be few climbers doing the MR, so you may have Upper Boy Scout Lake pretty much to yourself.