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

Most viewed - Sawtooth Lake loop via Trail Creek, North Fork Baron Creek, Grandjean Idaho; revisted July 8, 2023
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 DSCF0587.JPG5 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.JPG5 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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 DSCF0596.JPG5 viewsThe tarn (8489 feet) at the south end of Sawtooth Lake is worth hiking to, even if one is coming from Iron Creek, and heading back the same way. I stop here for a quick snack, seeking the shelter of the trees to avoid the sprinkles, which are becoming persistent.
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 DSCF0597.JPG5 viewsSouthern end of tarn (8489 feet) at the south end of Sawtooth Lake; there is less snow here than last year at this same time. It's cooled down considerably, and the shade is welcome relief.
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 DSCF0598.JPG5 viewsI'm hearing thunder in the distance, but thus far, the sprinkles are light. I'm using a GE StrapShot Holster for the first time. My camera is within easy reach on the shoulder strap of my pack. It works well. I'm taking more photos as a result. It came with a rain cover. Why I didn't bring it along, knowing full well that a 30% chance of thundershowers was forecast, I'll never know. If the rain increases, the camera will go into the pack, and I will miss shots in the rapidly changing light.
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 DSCF0603.JPG5 viewsLake (elevation 8271 feet) beckons me to stay a while, enjoy the tranquil beauty, and enjoy a snack. It's already after 4 p.m., and while my time thus far is better than usual, I continue, in hopes of getting back to the trailhead while it is still light.
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 DSCF0605.JPG5 viewsFour tributaries constitute the headwaters of the North Fork of Baron Creek. Of the two flowing from the north, this is the more westerly. The other two flow from the east and southeast.
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 DSCF0608.JPG5 viewsThe same; wider.
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 DSCF0609.JPG5 viewsThe same; from the downhill side, looking back after crossing.
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 DSCF0612.JPG5 viewsLooking west down the North Fork Baron Creek drainage. That steep 'V', where the canyon walls marks the anticipated crossing to the south side of the North Fork Baron Creek. I've already convinced myself it will be easier than last year, due to somewhat lower runoff. As I get closer, I take note of other possible log crossings. Some look good, but they all involve some bushwhacking. I will check the usual spot before any bushwhacking.
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 DSCF0616.JPG5 viewsGrandjean Peak on the northwest end of Monte Verita ridge consists of five summits. According to Tom Lopez (Idaho, a Climbing Guide), the "summits form a ragged, sawtooth line that is seldom approached by climbers. Crossing Baron Creek in the spring can pose a very serious risk."
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 DSCF0566.JPG4 viewsThe second crossing of Trail Creek. A nice place for a snack. This group caught up with me while fooling around with the camera, trying to figure out what setting I inadvertly changed on my camera, resulting in a dramatic red shift in the image. Hooray! I fixed it!
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