Marion Peak

Overview

Marion Peak towers over upper section of the wild South Fork Kings River valley along with its closest neighbors, Mt Ruskin and Arrow Peak. Marion Peak is one of the 248 list peaks designated by the Sierra Peaks Section of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter. One of the more remote peaks in the High Sierra, the mountain is relatively easy to climb, albeit after a long approach from any direction. But the views are well worth it.

The first credited ascent of Marion Peak in 1902 is attributed to Joseph N. LeConte, the University of California, Berkley engineering professor and noted Sierra explorer. LeConte named Marion Lake after his wife, Helen Marion LeConte, who accompanied him during his 1902 exploration of the South & Middle Forks of the Kings River area. It is uncertain whether he named the peak as well or if the peak received the name through association with the lake. A plaque mounted by the lake shore commemorates Helen, who participated in a number of impressive climbs including the first ascent of Split Mountain (other sources name an earlier first ascent).

Getting There

Marion Peak can be approached from a number of different directions depending on the itinerary. The closest trail head approach is via the Taboose Pass trail but easiest access is available to those hiking the John Muir Trail. Entry into this region is also available from the west, albeit a bit longer. Finally, a couple of more obscure routes are available to the more adventurous.

The Cartridge Pass Trail, although no longer maintained, is the quickest approach to the eastern aspect routes on Marion. The east terminus of the trail begins just north of the point where the John Muir Trail crosses the South Fork of the King’s River. This junction is gained from the east via the Taboose Pass trail (about 12 miles) and from the north (Mather Pass) & south (Pinchot Pass) along the JMT. The Cartridge Pass trail accesses routes either from the unnamed lake basin immediately south of Cartridge Pass or by crossing the pass and hiking down to Marion Lake.

Roads End provides opportunities for cross-country approaches to western aspect routes. One can take the Paradise Valley trail up to where it connects with the South Fork of King’s River and the bushwhack up the “Muro Blanco”. Steve Roper’s Sierra High Route can also be followed from Horseshoe Lake to one of two passes north of Marion. For the latter, use the Copper Creek trail over Granite Pass to Horseshoe Lake. From Horseshoe Lake, follow the High Sierra Route over Windy Ridge, Gray Pass to White Pass. Marion can be climbed from either White or Red Passes.

Not to be outdone for difficulty, Bishop Pass offers a couple of strenuous routes over abandoned and mostly non-existent trails to Marion Lake via the junction with the Middle Fork of the King’s River trail (Grouse Meadow). The first uses the almost vanished west terminus of the Cartridge Pass Trail which starts 5 miles south of the JMT on the Simpsons Meadow trail. The second route continues about 4 miles east on the JMT, climbs the Cataract Creek trail to Observation Pass, and follows a cross-country route over Dumbbell Pass before dropping down to Marion Lake.

Routes

There are a number of easy scrambling routes up Marion and probably a few undocumented routes that are more technical in nature.

NE Ridge from Cartridge Pass (photo by Bob Burd, Aug 09)	The easiest route to the summit is along the NE ridge and is rated class 2. The ridge can be gained from either Cartridge Pass and traversing atop the Cirque Crest, or traversing along the south side of the crest from the basin south of the pass, or by climbing from Marion Lake to the low point along the ridge.
Northwest Ridge during the descent (Aug 09)	The Northwest ridge begins at White Pass or Red Pass (along a spur). With the exception of a short but fun exposed class 3 ridge top (easily bypassed on the south side), the ridge is standard class 2 formula talus
Marion Peak from Arrow Peak (photo by Bob Burd, May 08)	The south face is made up of loose talus and can be climbed from either the South Fork or by traversing over Cirque Crest from either side.
Southwest Face & Ridge (Aug 09)	Other possible routes include the SW ridge and the North Buttress. The SW ridge appears to be most easily gained from the basin directly west of Marion (a traverse from Pk12444 looks possible with one technical section). RJ Secor reports the North Buttress as “alleged grade III, 5.10” and it certainly looked it!

Red Tape , Camping, and Conditions

Everything you need to know about permits, regulations, and driving directions can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logistical Center page. While overnight hikes require a wilderness permit, day hikes can be done without red tape.

Climbing can be done in almost any season but May through October are the most popular times. In heavy snow years, the chutes and slopes may hold residual snow. This is also true for any of the routes over the Sierra Crest. Check for current weather.


Approaching the summit (Aug 09)

External Links

Trip Reports:

2009 Sierra Challenge Day 6

Climber.org reports

Pictures:

Matthew Holliman’s photos including the West Ridge

My pics & summary

Images

View Marion Peak Image Gallery - 1 Images