Mileage: up to 18 miles round trip (to the top of Middle Palisade)
Elevation: up to 14,012’
Gain/Loss: Up to 6,000’
They say: Strenuous
We say: Absolutely
What it is: A route that follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek towards Brainard Lake, Finger Lake and then the Middle Palisade and Norman Clyde Glaciers. Ultimately this hike gives you access to Middle Palisade, one of the coolest Fourteeners in California (in my humble opinion, that is). The hike begins past the Glacier Lodge, following a residential street (closed off by a gate) and then alongside the creek and then across a field until you reach the steep talus-covered switchbacks up to the saddle. For some reason this part of the hike feels long as you gain significant elevation as you make your way up to the saddle. Once you reach the saddle you’ll be presented with amazing views of the Palisade Crest as well as a beautiful colony of Bristlecone Pines that have made their home here. Follow the trail over the saddle, and down to the cool green basin. You can detour to Willow Lake, or continue on to Brainard Lake. Once at Brainard, you lose the well-maintained trail and follow a use trail (marked by ducks) around the north side of the lake and up the grade to Finger Lake. Here you head to the western end of the long narrow lake, and follow the moraine between the glaciers to either access the glaciers themselves (which you can hop directly onto at any time or traverse a bit of the lower part of either peak) or to the base of Middle Palisade and Norma Clyde Peak. Climb a Fourteener, or march around on a 700 year old Glacier. Then head back the way you came.
Please DO: Research routes to the top of Middle Palisade or Norman Clyde CAREFULLLY before attempting. Most are Class 4, and many find themselves in Class 5 if they don’t proceed carefully.
Please DON’T: attempt the RT to Middle Pal or Norman Clyde in 1 day. Mileage is deceiving on this trail, as is gain. Just because you could do Whitney in 1 day, doesn’t mean you can do these. Truly, the trail is a rough one and the summit climb up either peak has taken up to 12 hours for some fellow climbers.
What you need to bring: A helmet, and ice axe, a small rope and belay if you desire, food, lug soles, warm layers.
What you want to bring: Crampons if you plan to do this in early spring or winter when the moraine is covered and the glacier isn’t sun-cupped.
How to get there: Park at the lower trailhead for the North Fork trail if you plan to spend the night on the mountain (the parking up by the South Forth TH is day use only). Hike up the road, past the entrance for the lodge, and continue on towards the residential cabins where you will see a fence blocking automobile access and an interpretive sign. Trail starts here.
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