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 DunesMallard Gorge, this was by the side of the road so we stopped for a few pictures.Waterfall in Mallard GorgeShoshone Falls, the falls were nice but the power lines and buildings ruined the view.Craters of the Moon National MonumentLava 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.
Day 1: Iron Creek trailhead past Alpine and Sawtooth Lake and then down the drainage of the south fork of the Payette Riverwonder why they are called the Sawtooths?Alpine LakeThe Whytes are almost to Sawtooth LakeSawtooth LakeHiking out of Sawtooth Lake, I always have to remind myself to look back, the best view might be behind you.Leann on the trailThe rest of the day was all downhill, that usually means the next morning will be all uphillLong climb to begin day 2 and then past the Baron Lakes and down to Warbonnet Lake for campMorning sun on the mountains.I like weathered trail signsLook closely and you can see Leann and friends on the trailWe are at the top of the first climb with a beautiful glacial valley behind usAfter a long climb off come the boots and packsBaron LakeUpper Baron LakeMost of the day was uphill but we are finally at the topNice camp on the shores of Warbonnet LakeDay 3: we had a short climb, long descent to Cramer Lake and another long climb before descending to our campsite at Hidden lakeAt the top of the first climbLooking back where we startedCramer LakeWelcome to the moonHow many hikers do you see?This was an awesome day in the mountainsdone with climbing for the dayHidden Lake, or home for the nightI went for a swim, the water was 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 FallsWe followed a nice creek most of the way to the fallsof course we had to go downhill to the falls and then back the way we cameSmith FallsEdna Lake, second to last nightSecond to last day, upper a few short climbs, past Imogene Lake and then down to Hell Roaring LakeOn our last climb of the tripTop of another climbBack down the other sideStill friends on day 6This our last climb of the trip, fairly short and you can see the switchbacksDifferent view of the switchbacksImogene LakeImogene 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 dayAlmost to campWe set up camp by Hell Roaring Lake and did a day hike to the finger of fateShort hike back to the car, showers here we comeNice view of White Clouds WildernessMore of White Clouds Wilderness, might be worth checking out in the futureLittle waterfall, nice end to a great trip.
