Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho, July 9, 2022
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DSCF0427.JPG6 viewsThis is the most snow I have seen at the saddle overlooking the lake.
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DSCF0428.JPG5 viewsThe trail heads S along the E side of the lake, and drops through the low saddle, S of Sawtooth Lake to descend the North Fork Barron Creek. Last year on 6/27, the lake was completely free of ice.
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DSCF0429.JPG5 viewsThe outflow at the N end of the lake, and scant 4 miles beyond, Iron Creek Trailhead, the approach the masses use to visit Sawtooth Lake.
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DSCF0432.JPG8 viewsAs I am taking photos, Amanda (red pack), and her Norwegian companion (and well-behaved dog) arrive at the saddle for the first time, overwhelmed by the amazing and well-earned view. I offer to capture the moment for them. We met before reaching McGown Lakes. They are taking 3 days to do the same loop I am doing as a dayhike. Their plan is to camp at off-trail Lake 8771, which I visited in August 2019. We play leapfrog to the south end of Sawtooth Lake, where I stop to get water.
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DSCF0433.JPG7 viewsI try to clue them in on the best approach to Lake 8771, as well as the challenges descending the N Fork Barron Creek, without spoiling surprises. I suggest the safer way to regain the trail from our current position, and how to protect the descent using trekking poles as one would use an ice ax.
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DSCF0437a.JPG6 viewsAmanda returns the favor with a rare photo of the author in his element!
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DSCF0438.JPG6 viewsI climb above the trail for slightly different shot of Mt. Regan. Just as I'm about to release the shutter, my new-found companions round the bend, adding some foreground interest in the shot.
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DSCF0440.JPG7 viewsYes, the previous shot is definitely better!
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DSCF0441.JPG4 viewsHeading S from the outflow at the N end of Sawtooth Lake. Lot's more people about. I saw more people along Trailside Creek to McGown Lakes than I usually do. I will see nobody from the South end of Sawtooth Lake all the way to Grandjean.
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DSCF0442.JPG3 viewsA curious pattern of ice in the water at the S terminus of Sawtooth Lake. Directly above the most southerly reaches of the lake is a saddle that divides the Trailer Lakes drainage with that of Sawtooth Lake. Without an ice axe and some protection, this is a challenging crossing this early in the year; I know from experience!
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DSCF0446.JPG6 viewsThe small lake just S of Sawtooth Lake is a beautiful alternative to the crowds camping at the S end of Sawtooth Lake.
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DSCF0447.JPG3 viewsAnother partially frozen tarn 100 yards further south.
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