Idaho Exposure

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

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
DSCF0568.JPG
 DSCF0568.JPG4 viewsThe volume of water in Trail Creek suggests to me that the runnoff from snomelt peaked a few weeks earlier, lessening my anxiety about crossing the North Fork of Baron Creek.
DSCF0569.JPG
 DSCF0569.JPG4 viewsI hiked this section once with a botanist who knew the names of every plant in Idaho. Now I wish I'd asked that person more questions.
DSCF0573.JPG
 DSCF0573.JPG4 viewsTohobit Peak, left, and Grandjean Peak, right, on the Monte Verita ridge. At 11:30 a.m., vertical development of cumulus over the ridge portends afternoon thundershowers.
DSCF0577.JPG
 DSCF0577.JPG4 viewsThe first of the McGown Lakes appears to the north at 8250 feet. Note the development of the cumulus over the Stanley Valley.
DSCF0580.JPG
 DSCF0580.JPG4 viewsThis stream marks the short climb to the highest of the McGown Lakes.
DSCF0585.JPG
 DSCF0585.JPG4 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!
DSCF0586.JPG
 DSCF0586.JPG4 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.
DSCF0600.JPG
 DSCF0600.JPG4 viewsThe next lakes (elevation 8271 feet) come into view.
DSCF0604.JPG
 DSCF0604.JPG4 viewsPatterns on the water; Lake (elevation 8271 feet), southeast of Sawtooth Lake.
DSCF0607.JPG
 DSCF0607.JPG4 viewsTwenty minutes further down the steep switchbacks, the trail continues west, reaching this cascading stream crossing the trail. It's about 1.7 miles after reaching the first switchback, the beginning of the steep descent of the trail. I pack neoprene socks for this crossing. Watch where you sit; there are nettles hidden in that verdant foliage!
DSCF0611.JPG
 DSCF0611.JPG4 viewsI might know the name of this flower had I completed the loop as planned with that botanist several years back. Is that the Jeffrey Pine again in the background? Nice!
DSCF0613.JPG
 DSCF0613.JPG4 viewsThe dreaded crossing! I used the log 90 degrees to the current, and up, out of the water. After surmounting the big log that crosses over it, one can clearly see that the log I crossed on becomes wet. Crouching on all fours, one can reach the lower log (partially in the stream) stabilizing balance with the left foot. The lower log is extremely slippery, so I used it only to help balance. Moving further across, the lower log is less slippery. It's always a relief to get to this side safely.
50 files on 5 page(s) 1 2 3 45