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From the junction, the trail climbs steeply 500 feet before it swings north and begins a scenic traverse high on the forested ridge east of Wishon Reservoir. The trail undulates under dense stands of incense-cedar, white fir, and sugar pine (the latter easily identified by its large cones and its five needles per bundle), and past shallow gullies where the vegetation dramatically changes to a lush understory of bracken fern, lupine, gooseberry, columbine, and mugwort.

After nearly 2 miles, the trail turns east, swapping views of Wishon Reservoir for views north toward Lost Peak (8476’) and other granitic domes. The trail tops a moraine, a mass of rock debris left behind by vanished glaciers, before it descends into Woodchuck Creek’s canyon. At this point, you may hear the Helms Project Powerhouse, across the North Fork Kings River’s canyon to the north.

Beyond an aspen-studded meadow, the trail curves north and descends to ford Woodchuck Creek (may be difficult in early season). From the ford, the trail ascends north under higher elevation species of red fir and lodgepole pine and then bears east to switchback 500 feet over a minor ridge hosting a campsite. From the ridge, enjoy views west toward Woodchuck Creek’s canyon. Very quickly, the trail meets a signed junction (8510’) with a trail to Chuck Pass (right; south-southeast).