We went via Upper Basin. The pass between Amphitheater Lake and Upper Basin was a bit of a trick, but nothing undoable. We did it with full packs with no problems. The line we took was mostly class 2 with maybe some class 3. The west side of the pass is the more difficult side.

Going through Dumbell Lakes looks tough, but it would probably be really really interesting. I bet very few people go through there. It might be an interesting route to the Middle Fork of the Kings River via Cartridge Creek, but it looks like some really rough going.

HJ


Backpacking stove reviews and information: Adventures In Stoving