High Sierra Topix

Hello there!

I’m planning a thru-hike from Onion Valley to North Lake via some off trail, JMT, and SHR as I hike NOBO. My main question: Has anyone hiked up to Gould Pass from Onion Valley and down in to the basin below which leads to Dragon Lake. I’m unsure of what I believe is the north-west facing slops that ultimately lead to the Rae Lakes Basin and would greatly appreciate any perspective.

I went over it in July 2017 with a friend who was an accomplished climber and peak bagger. As I recall, this was a big snow year. There was a somewhat steep snow field on the way up and a steeper snow field on the way down. For me, it was sketchy and it took me a long time, especially descending through the snow. My friend was totally unconcerned and comfortable with the situation.

I'm pretty sure there have been a couple threads over the last couple years about Gould Pass and Dragon Pass and where they actually are on the ridge. A search of the site would definitely be useful.

I have been on Gould Pass. I have been at Dragon Lake. and Dragon Pass. From what I recall, the descents from Gould pass or Dragon Pass to Dragon Pass seem very steep looking, with probably loose rock. Secor describes the descent as a steep chute with loose rock. From the inlet of Dragon Lake looking up, it is very rocky, like most passes. I thought about doing it, but I am not convinced that it is worth the effort. It is uphill cross country 1000' from Kearsage pass, then approximately 2000' feet down to the lake. You say you are a level 4 explorer, so it should not be a big deal, but only you know your capabilities and what you desire to do. Another time I was in the area, I went north from Kearsage pass, then east to the summit of Mt. Gould. The summit of Gould is class 3 with some exposure, but unless you want to sit on the small summit block, I did not find it a big deal. I descended the ridge line north from Mt. Gould to a big flat area on the ridge, then went east to the unnamed lakes east of Mt. Gould, Lake 3460', then back to the trailhead.
Dragon Lake: to avoid camping in Rae Lakes Basin, I found a primitive trail to Dragon Lake, about a mile, steep, but even if you lose the trail, the lake is not hard to find. I considered going up to Gould pass or Dragon Pass to get back to the car, but I decided not to bother. Easy trail back to Kearsage, or other destinations.