Dayhike to Helen Lake

Dayhike to Helen Lake

Late start at 730am from Bunny Flat.

Decided bec of the time, it would be a hike up to 11,000' or so (Helen Lake area), where I'd then assess a summit push possibility.

AMAZING weather, no wind, 48F temps (up to 65F or so when I eventually turned back above Helen Lake).

Smooth sailing to Horse Camp.

An hour later, I was greeted by a thunderous roar, with dust rising maybe 3/4 mile ahead of me (see photo)...massive rockfall.

After taking a direct line up the mostly talus slope, reached Helen Lake 1015am.

Resting at Helen Lake, nibbling on Snicker's, and fending off a determined bee variant (?), I counted no less than 3-4 small rockfalls.

Decided to push up the Gulch veering right towards the Thumb.

Ascended to around 12,000', below right of Red Banks, when a small rockfall not 50 yards to my left made me call it quits, 1140am.

Quick time back to the car, and then a really nice lunch of Pollo Mazatlan (with Skinny Rita's) at Casa Ramos.

If I linger in the Siskiyou area, I may try for a summit push via Whitney-Bolam Ridge.

C'est la vie...