Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho, July 9, 2022

Home > Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho, July 9, 2022

Most viewed - Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho, July 9, 2022

DSCF0415.JPG9 viewsWildflowers encountered with the first 2 miles high above Trail Creek.

DSCF0416.JPG8 viewsOne of the easier log crossings over Trail Creek, well before arriving at Trail Lakes.

DSCF0417.JPG8 viewsLooking back, SW, toward Trail Lakes.

DSCF0418.JPG8 viewsTo the N, the turnoff to McGown Lakes to the E is near the low point on the skyline.

DSCF0420.JPG8 views

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.

DSCF0437a.JPG8 viewsAmanda returns the favor with a rare photo of the author in his element!

DSCF0425.JPG7 viewsMt. Regan above Sawtooth Lake from the saddle above the W side of lake. We were blessed with a WSW breeze with gusts to 29 mph, and cumulous clouds, which kept the high down to 70, and made for some nice photo opportunities.

DSCF0427.JPG7 viewsThis is the most snow I have seen at the saddle overlooking the lake.

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.

DSCF0440.JPG7 viewsYes, the previous shot is definitely better!

DSCF0446.JPG7 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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Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com