Tower Pass Route

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Mosquitos can be very bad in the large area that includes Jack Main Canyon, the JMT up to Rancheria Creek, Tilden Canyon Creek, Tilden Lake and the meadows above it. Either avoid this area during mosquito season or be well prepared.

Starting from the east end of Tower Lake, this route follows an old trail that has not been maintained for many years. Run around the south side of Tower Lake. While there is no visible trail, it is not difficult. On the west side there is a slight ridge with trees along the top climbs steeply towards the pass. From there to the pass, the trail is either very visible or marked with ducks (piles of 2-3 medium-sized rocks). It rugged for running, but there are no dangerous exposures and no rock climbing skills are required.

At the top there is a great view of Mary Lake, Craig and Snow Peaks and the forested canyon that leads all the way to Tilden Lake, just visible in the distance. On the gentle southwestern side of the pass, it makes little difference which way you go. The old trail stayed on the northwest side of Tilden Creek and the lakes. If you are headed north after Tilden Lake, you should stay on that side. I was heading south from Tilden Lake, so I mostly stayed on the southeast side of the creeks and lakes. I had no real problem running an almost straight route until well past Mary Lake.

The clear and beautiful Mary Lake sits below Craig Peak and the Saurian Crest. It is mostly barren with very few trees and exposed camping. About 2.5 miles below the pass, I reached a difficult rocky area. Here I crossed the creek and found the old trail, which I took until I reached the meadows before Tilden Lake. I then re-crossed the creek and did a little over two miles around the southeast side of Tilden Lake until I reached the Tilden Creek - Bailey Ridge Trail. There were some sections of talus to cross, but it was not a difficult run. Tilden Lake very clear, with great camping along the shores and long views in both directions.