The east face of Middle Palisade towers above the South Fork Basin of Big Pine Creek. The Middle Palisade Glacier lies at it's base. From the small town of Big Pine on Highway 395 head west on Crocker Street to Glacier Lodge. Drop off climbers and gear at the end of the road and park at the overnight parking for hikers and climbers that you passed on the right as you drove in. After about 1/4 mile of hiking take the trail to the left (South Fork of Big Pine Creek). Climb up to the Middle Palisade Glacier. The East Face Route is the most straightforward way to summit Middle Palisade. It requires continuous Class 3 climbing and some Class 4 climbing if the climber gets off route. Loose rocks are typical on this route.