Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mount Russell

I am wondering about what is the permit process for Mount Russell? Is the same as going through the MR? is there a limit? Is this a class 2? I would like more info and perhaps join a group that is planning to summit it.

Thanks,

Nei

Permit process is the same for the MR so you'll be competing with Whitney hikers/climbers.

I believe the limit is 10/day.

It is NOT a class 2. This is just my opinion, but it is a solid 3. Once you're on that ridge, there is tremendous exposure. If you've done the MR, it'll make it look like a cake walk.

The class 2 is the talus slope getting there. Most horrible hiking I have ever done. Just a long tedious, quad burning exercise.

> I believe the limit is 10/day.

That is the quota for overnight backpackers.

If you day hike Mt. Russell, you need a Whitney Zone day hike permit, which is exactly the same quota/group (100 per day) as the Whitney Main Trail Day Hike permits. So enter the lottery, or walk into the Visitor Center the day before and try for a no-show/cancellation permit.

Approaches are Class 2, but finishing the peak requires at least Class 3 from pretty much any direction (north face, east ridge, south face R side). There are use trails for the first bit of the east ridge and definitely south face (descent route for the tech routes and to get off the mountain quickly), and some measure of route finding is needed.

East Ridge:



South Face R side (with east ridge for descent):




East Ridge. South Face R Side

Have fun!

-L

Steve, are you sure? I've asked the rangers there twice now, and both times they told me they only allowed 10/day and that it was part of a separate pool than the main trail. Thanks.

I believe Steve is right. If you go overnight, the quota is separate from the Whitney lottery. 10 sounds about right. If you do a day trip, you are in the same lottery as the main trail. There used to be no quota for day trips on the north fork, but too many people who didn't get a main trail permit would attempt the MR and get into trouble.

Great photos, Laura.

99% sure. Look at these two pages:
    Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest
    2012 Mt. Whitney Lottery Application

In the "Trail Names and Quotas" page, see the trail "Mt Whitney - Starting at Whitney Portal   J35", it states: "100 Day Use-all routes/ 60 Overnight-Mt Whitney trail"
Note the "ALL ROUTES" part. THAT includes the Mountaineers Route, and Mt. Russell, too (unfortunately).

Also on the same page, the "North Fork Lone Pine   J34" trail shows a quota of 10.

Please note, on that Trail Names and Quotas page, ALL the quotas EXCEPT the J35 "Day Use" numbers are for OVERNIGHT only.

Now, on the Lottery Application Page, it has this:


The rules and the setup is a tangle, so I can understand the confusion.

Thanks for the follow up Bob & Steve, especially the links Steve.

I used to believe both routes were under the same quota, but one day I asked and was given that 10 person limit. I clearly stated that I was dayhiking. I asked again last August when I was up Russell and got the same response. *Shrugs shoulder*

Moose, great photos indeed. I have to try that route up or down the South Face soon.

I am not surprised you got conflicting information. The rules are so confusing, even the Inyo rangers and staff can get them mixed up.

Thanks, Bob! And 26, the south face is "meh" when compared to the east ridge. Hell of a lot more scree slogging to get there (up the back end of Upper Boy Scout Lake to Sakai Col, then up the south face) for ~60ft of C3. I'd take the east ridge in terms of fun scrambling around any day.

Thank you guys for such great feedback. I will bother your again if I get the permit. MooseTracks, I appreciate the pictures and if any of you want to join me I would love to have your company and knowledge.

Happy trails!

Nei

What is the estimate duration (average) for a day hike? I will apply for july and August. Just before my Rainier try. I can't wait! Is funny how we get so excited about these challenges.

Nei

Duration is dependent on you, your health, and whether you're trying to set some personal record or enjoy your time, take pictures, etc.

I'm looking to go again this summer, so I may be able to join you. When I went last year, there wasn't a single soul on there going up or down. It was cool to see people on Whitney's summit.

Sounds good Atari. Let me know what dates would work for you.