Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Alternate approaches/entry point to Mt Russell

I've been trying to get a permit to climb Mt Russell (in Aug/Sept) via the NF of LPC, but it seems almost impossible (faxing and calling). Anyone know of alternate approaches/entry points that are not 2 days+ ?
Thanks!

Go for a weekday, we didn't have any trouble last year.

Which route are you planning to climb? I am assuming East Ridge? It can definitely be done car-to-car in one day in Aug / Sept.

You need a Whitney Zone Permit for day hike or over night if you approach from the North Fork. You have until March 15th to enter the lottery. If you climbed it from the north, say from Tulainyo Lake, you would be outside of the Whitney zone, and just need a regular Inyo National Forest overnight permit. Mt. Russell and its east ridge are the northerly boundary of the Mt. Whitney Zone, so stay on the north side of the summit register or you will get busted. Thats along way to go just to avoid the lottery, just apply for a permit in the lottery.

Thanks for all of the input. We have tried every day of the week - demand is high & supply is low!
We aren't interested in doing it in a day - would rather take the time to enjoy being out there.
Actually, if you enter at the NF of LPC you don't need to enter the lottery for a permit, however you do have to pay the $15 per person for entering into the Whitney zone (per info on the
application).
Thanks again for the suggestions. I'll just keep plugging away at the faxing and calling...

North Fork overnights are on the 60/40 system, so there are four walk-in permits available if you have the flexibilty.