Most viewed - Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho, July 9, 2022
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DSCF0455.JPG8 viewsThis shows a possible ford on frame right, which the long log on the right points to. It also shows the deadly consequences of being swept 20 feet below, should one lose his footing in the deep, swift water. Based on my kayaking experience, this was a risk I was not willing to take. This is a few hundred feet upstream from where I crossed.
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DSCF0421.JPG7 viewsSignpost indicating trail to Observation Peak vicinity of McGown Lakes turnoff.
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DSCF0423.JPG7 viewsLooking N toward Stanley before McGown Lakes. More snow on the north facing slopes. More than I usually see this time of year, but not enough to impede travel in trail runners.
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DSCF0428.JPG7 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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DSCF0438.JPG7 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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DSCF0450.JPG7 viewsCloser; partially frozen tarn. I put away the camera to ensure making three creek crossings in daylight. The trail passes 2 small lakes, then follows a lazy, idyllic stream near the departure point for off trail Lake 8771. My companions have set off to camp at that lake, as I find Amanda's Croc sandal carelessly dropped on the trail. I carry it to the first switchback, placing it on a rock in the middle of the trail, ensuring she will recover it, assuming they descend the N Fork Barron Creek.
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DSCF0452.JPG7 viewsThe first crossing comes roughly a mile beyond that first switchback. Amanda will want her Crocs here! I carry some neoprene socks to avoid soaking shoes and socks. Very refreshing after hiking all day! Further ahead, the tough part is not losing the faint trail that disappears under the brush prior to the crux crossing about one hour distant. I lose the trail after crossing under a huge fallen tree. It takes 10 minutes, but I find it again!
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DSCF0456.JPG7 viewsAll photos were taken from the S side of creek. I crossed here (between the other alternatives) last year. The water is a foot higher this year. Starting on the log that completely crosses the creek, angling down to the lower left of the frame, one can cross over the big log on top, continue moving out and reach down with the other foot to the lower log (over which the current is flowing). Continue moving across using both logs. This year the water is too high to go this route safely.
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DSCF0457.JPG7 viewsAgain, what appears to be the conventional ford. Difficult to tell just how deep it is. The nasty log pileup at the brink of the pour-over is just left of frame (see next image).
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DSCF0458.JPG7 viewsThis looks deep and fast, with the possibility of being swept under a log.
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DSCF0459.JPG7 viewsThe 3rd crossing; N Fork Barron Creek, is a few hundred feet after joining the main Barron Creek Trail. Find your center, drop your shoulders, chin up! I crossed this at 9:30 pm in fading light. 3.5 miles to the trailhead! At 3 mph, I estimated an 11:00 pm finish. Two thirds of a moon shining from the south along the Payette provided sufficient light. I used the headlamp low beam the last 20 minutes to avoid injury. Excellent first hike of 2022, ending, as anticipated, at exactly 11:00 pm!
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DSCF0422.JPG6 viewsClimbing toward McGown Lakes, patches of snow are encountered on the north facing slopes.
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