Check out our trip report on Leavitt Meadows To Hetch-hetchy. No permit issues at LEavite Meadows, and you could easily do this as something other than a through hike...because the trailhead are pretty isolated.
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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963