SAWTOOTHS – WANDERING WHYTES

There are 2 main reasons the Sawtooth Range was our second backpack trip out west. The first is the scenery of jagged peaks, narrow valleys and alpine lakes. The second: I have never been to Idaho; Leann and I wanted to visit all of the states. Reason number 2 was probably the main consideration, but the scenery was spectacular. We flew into Boise, visited a few parks on day 2 and 3 and then headed to the wilderness for the backpack trip.

Leann on Bruneau Dunes

Mallard Gorge, this was by the side of the road so we stopped for a few pictures.

Waterfall in Mallard Gorge

Shoshone Falls, the falls were nice but the power lines and buildings ruined the view.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Lava field and exploring a lava tube

After seeing Craters of the Moon we drove to Stanley. People were tired and getting grumpy, we were not getting along very well as a group. After lots of discussion (OK arguing) we picked a restaurant on the banks of the Snake River. Everyone was still a little tense until an Osprey dove into the water and snagged a Salmon, all was right with the world.

BACKPACK BEGINS

Day 1: Iron Creek trailhead past Alpine and Sawtooth Lake and then down the drainage of the south fork of the Payette River

I wonder why they are called the Sawtooths?

Alpine Lake

The Whytes are almost to Sawtooth Lake

Sawtooth Lake

Hiking out of Sawtooth Lake, I always have to remind myself to look back, the best view might be behind you.

The rest of the day was all downhill, that usually means the next morning will be all uphill

Long climb to begin day 2 and then past the Baron Lakes and down to Warbonnet Lake for camp

I like weathered trail signs.

Look closely and you can see Leann and friends on the trail

We are at the top of the first climb with a beautiful glacial valley behind us.

After a long climb off come the boots and packs

Baron Lake

Upper Baron Lake

We finally made it to the top.

Nice camp on the shores of Warbonnet Lake

Day 3: we had a short climb, long descent to Cramer Lake and another long climb before descending to our campsite at Hidden lake

At the top of the first climb

Looking back where we started

Cramer Lake

Welcome to the moon

Hikers in the picture give you a better perspective on the vastness of the landscape.

This was an awesome day in the mountains.

done with climbing for the day

Hidden Lake, our home for the night

I went for a swim, the water was really cold and yes I saw that Seinfeld episode.

We had a short day planned but Leann and i decided to take a side trip to Smith Falls

We followed a nice creek most of the way to the falls

of course we had to go downhill to the falls and then back the way we came

Smith Falls

Edna Lake, second to last night

Second to last day, upper a few short climbs, past Imogene Lake and then down to Hell Roaring Lake

Still friends on day 6

This our last climb of the trip, fairly short and you can see the switchbacks

Different view of the switchbacks

Imogene Lake

Imogene was beautiful with granite going right into the water. We were tempted to stay for the night but that would have left us too many miles on our last day