KEN:
?
Every place that fits your criteria of similarity requires permits, but that should not dissuade you. Many of the trailheads that lead to the area you describe - including the entire JMT - are perfectly easy to obtain.? I take great pleasure in assisting those who like you are interested in the quality of the are and the experience rather than the abstraction of doing THE trail.? I am glad to help and will email you shortly.
Peter
