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Home > Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho; revisted July 8, 2023

Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho; revisted July 8, 2023
DSCF0575.JPG
 DSCF0575.JPG4 viewsI believe this is a new signpost. The previous sign was bolted to a tree that had fallen, as photographed in the gallery dated one year and one day earlier. Cumulus continues to build over the Stanley Valley.
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 DSCF0576.JPG4 viewsWildflowers and creek on the initial climb toward McGown Lakes.
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 DSCF0578.JPG3 viewsA plethora of wildflowers in the McGown Lakes basin.
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 DSCF0577.JPG3 viewsThe first of the McGown Lakes appears to the north at 8250 feet. Note the development of the cumulus over the Stanley Valley.
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 DSCF0579.JPG3 viewsAnother of the McGown Lakes north of the trail at 8470 feet. Several years back, someone abandoned several items in this area that proved too burdensome, including a holster for bear spray, a case for a fly rod, an 8 oz isobutane canister with 1/4 of the fuel remaining, two empty small nylon stuff sacks, and a can of Jenny Lake Lager! I would consider myself lucky to see a bear back here. This year, someone left a nice article of clothing on that last signpost. I was hoping my pack would get lighter!
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 DSCF0580.JPG3 viewsThis stream marks the short climb to the highest of the McGown Lakes.
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 DSCF0582.JPG4 viewsOn the south side of the trail, at an elevation of 8505 feet, the highest of the McGown Lakes is about 75 higher in elevation than Sawtooth Lake just over the ridge to the east. As I recall, it is still a pretty good pull to the pass leading to Sawtooth Lake.
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 DSCF0584.JPG3 viewsLooking back to the west toward Grandjean, the developing thunderstorm is looking ominous. I hope to be heading down the North Fork of Baron Creek before any showers.
DSCF0585.JPG
 DSCF0585.JPG3 viewsI am pleasantly surprised! I arrive at the high point of the loop overlooking Mount Regan above Sawtooth Lake, sooner than expected. The trail takes a circuitous route to this pass, often crossing large sections of snow unnecessarily. Having done it several times, I find it is much easier and faster to head up to the saddle without trying to keep track of the often buried trail. For years, I did not post photos from this fabulous perspective. It is a well deserved reward for those who make the effort!
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 DSCF0586.JPG3 viewsI am surprised that the lake is completely free of ice. I can already hear voices of the many who have come the easier way from Iron Creek.
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 DSCF0587.JPG3 viewsThis bodes well for North Fork Baron Creek crossing later today. On the other hand, thundershowers might further complicate that crossing.
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 DSCF0589.JPG3 viewsBeyond the lake, on the valley floor lies Stanley; often attaining the lowest temperature in the nation during the winter months.
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