Most viewed - Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho; revisted July 8, 2023
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DSCF0563.JPG9 viewsThese are my favorite pines. I identify them with early hikes in Yosemite. After all these years I'm still not certain which pine it is. I like the pattern on the bark. I think it is a Jeffrey pine, but it could be a sugar pine. If you know, you can contact me on idahoexposure.com.
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DSCF0575.JPG9 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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DSCF0593.JPG9 viewsMt. Regen in class IV; a rope is required. On a previous trip, a less experienced companion and I were descending from the saddle west of Regen, trying to reach the trial at the south end of the lake. He did not feel safe crossing the steep snow above the lake. We were losing the light. I presented two options; traverse around the west side of the lake, not all of which was visible, or retreat back over the saddle. He chose to retreat. Experience now tells me we should have traversed the west side.
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DSCF0606.JPG9 viewsLooking downstream from the previous photo, the water flows serenely, in contrast to the steep gradient just downstream.
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DSCF0618.JPG9 viewsThe second (and much easier) crossing of the North Fork Baron Creek from the west side. I spent some time here talking with two different parties, one group from Cincinnati, the other person from South Carolina, camped on opposite sides of the creek. I ran into more people from out of state than those who reside in Idaho. I also took the time for a much needed snack. It's now 8:30 p.m.. Just 3.5 more miles to the trailhead.
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DSCF0567.JPG8 viewsJust upstream from the crossing, I saw a couple gals to the left of the log, who had managed to completely lose the trail. This happens fairly often at stream crossings. They were delighted that I suggested a route to get them back on track.
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DSCF0590.JPG8 viewsHeading due south from the outlet of Sawtooth Lake toward my appointment with the North Fork of Baron Creek.
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DSCF0602.JPG8 viewsDirect sunlight from the west illuminates the snow on Baron Peak (left), and the Monte Verita ridge behind it (center and right). I don't see the distinctive shape of Warbonnet Peak, but I am used to seeing it from the south. It may just be hidden behind Baron Peak. I don't stop to take out the sighting compass and figure out exactly what I am looking at, concerned about thunderstorms causing the North Fork Baron Creek to rise.
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DSCF0617.JPG8 viewsDescending switchbacks on the west facing slope to the junction with the main Baron Creek Trail, and the second crossing of the North Fork Baron Creek. I never reached direct sunlight the remainder of the hike, so the temperature was comfortable!
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DSCF0572.JPG7 viewsThe Monte Verita ridge extends northwest towards Grandjean and includes Tohobit and Grandjean Peaks. Hidden from view, to the southeast (left) on this same ridge is Warbonnet Peak. The ridge culminates at Monte Verita, a complex group of granite spires at over 10,000 feet, southwest of Baron Lake.
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DSCF0574.JPG7 viewsThe first lingering snow on the trail at 8000 feet, approaching the turnoff for McGown Lakes to the east. I can remember approaching this junction from the north, roughly fifteen years ago, while a fire was burning in the area I'm hiking through now.
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DSCF0576.JPG7 viewsWildflowers and creek on the initial climb toward McGown Lakes.
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