On July 23-24, 1977 with Jim Nettleton, Doug Sherbourne, Joe Crimi, Denise Morgan and Harry Everett I backpacked in the John Muir Wilderness to Birch Lake and climbed 13,389' The Thumb.
I left Lone Pine at 5 a.m., picked up Jim and Doug at 6:30 (Jim was late), and drove to the trailhead, arriving about 7:30. The knats were bad as we headed up the easy but steep trail. A fairly steady breeze helped with the bugs and kept it from getting too hot. I carried two quarts of water and was glad.
Water can be found at a few springs along the route by digging around. Stopped about 9:30 for drinks and food and 1/2 hour rest. Stopped again about 11:30 for same and a nap. Left about 12:30. After negotiating a heavy brush area made it to camp about 1:30 or so. Doug charged ahead and made camp about noon. Harry caught several large trout and several got away.
We made camp in limited flat areas. Joe, Denise and Harry used very limited wood supply to cook. The rest of us used a stove. Wood is mostly dead brush. A few sprinkles hit about 7:30 p.m. so we retired to bed.
Got up about 6 a.m. and headed for the peak about 8. (Me, Doug, Jim). Joe, Denise and Harry stayed at Birch Lake until about noon, fishing, etc., then headed down the stream and fished the lower valley before cutting by trail over to the main trail and the car.
The climbers proceeded around the north side of the lake, then climbed over easy terrain going above the bushes to the glacier moraines. By following the tops of the moraines it was easy talus to the cirque wall. Jim and I did a high 3rd class rock climb for a hundred or so feet before discovering that the easier route was to the right. Doug ascended that route. This is the only difficult pitch.
Then we plugged our way up the long but easy talus slope to the summit which we made just after noon. Spent an hour and a half on top enjoying great views of the Middle Palisade area. Left the top about 1:30 and headed back to camp. Doug fell on a loose rock and banged up his knees but fortunately broke nothing. We made camp about 3:30 and rested, etc. before heading down about 4:30.
Leaving the lake we climbed high and avoided most of the bush. Moving rapidly down the trail we saw seven deer in one group, 2 in another. Made the car about 6:30 - great trip.
The Thumb via Birch Lake route 1977
