Is there a way to approach the E-Ledges by staying close to the wall, and never crossing the creek, in order to avoid the bushwhacking? When I was there two weeks ago, it looked like there was a use trail of granite pieces hugging the wall, but I didn't get a chance to try it.
Yes, there is. In 2012 I did hike the North Fork (Mountaineers route), and the day prior I hiked up to the e-ledges to see if I could find the "North Side Route".
After you depart the Main Trail you start up the North Fork trail (AKA the Mountaineers route). The "North Side Route" departs from the "usual" route just prior to the first crossing of the creek, and goes up against the wall, and up onto some fairly slim ledges. However, I never found the way up to those ledges, and the Elephant's Ear, so abandoned that option. You can see pictures of the route on this web page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/albums/72157629515359016/with/7105926837/ The "North Side route" starts at image 13, and hooks back up to the "normal" trail at image 21. Watch the lower left side of the pictures, and you will see the image numbers with brief comments.
These photos are from Bob Rockwell, and this route is also known as the Rockwell Shortcut.
Not sure I would recommend it in the dark. Particularly if there is any moisture. Getting your feet wet would be way better than a slip.
Edit: Steve has been up this way several times, so he will likely chime in with better information than mine. Here is a video he did several years ago showing more info about the North Side.
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads...videos#Post8189
