Idaho Exposure

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


Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
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DSCF0906.JPG6 viewsStrawberry Basin opens to the NW, then curves NE, descending to Warm Springs Creek.
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DSCF0911.JPG6 viewsI don't think I've ever gone the same way twice. The descent seemed easier this trip, especially near Warm Springs Creek where I managed to avoid the worst of the fallen timber.
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DSCF1094.JPG6 viewsDescending toward Fourth of July Lake from the top of the ridge SW of Ants Basin, looking W across the Sawtooth Valley. One can see the smoke from the Wapiti fire S of Stanley on frame right (N). Yesterday I was told the road from Stanley to Grandjean was still closed. I'm hoping that has changed, but not counting on it.
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DSCF0903.JPG5 viewsHeading N toward the saddle overlooking Strawberry Basin. There always seem to be a few tents here. The view is nice, but there is no water. Not sure why anyone would camp here. Maybe hunters preparing for bow season.
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DSCF0904.JPG5 viewsThe view across the Sawtooth Valley to Mt. Cramer. The smoke is staying out of sight to the N, fortunately!
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DSCF0914.JPG5 viewsWCP-8 (10557') on the right. The pyramid shaped peak below the higher large cumulus is WCP-6 (10777').
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DSCF1034.JPG5 viewsLooking back up at the 'cheese grater'. A gal guiding a group of kids a few years back told me that is the name of the crossing between Big Boulder Lakes and the Boulder Chain Lakes. So I am about one third of the way across the isthmus on the W side of Hummock, and I hear a voice call out, "Hey Tom, do you know who it is?" I recognize the voice of my neighbor who lives a few houses W, an avid cross-country backpacker.
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DSCF1089.JPG4 viewsThe familiar orange band I navigated toward the first day to the trip descending Strawberry Basin to Warm Springs Creek from the top of the ridge SW of Ants Basin. (200 mm)
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DSCF0901.JPG3 viewsLooking W, downslope into what's left of the forest.
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DSCF0952.JPG3 viewsHeading down the E side of the saddle, the Sawtooth Mountains can be seen to the W, across the Sawtooth Valley. The smoke remains well to the N.
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DSCF1087.JPG3 viewsWCP-8 (10557') from the top of the ridge SW of Ants Basin. (95 mm)
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DSCF1095.JPG3 viewsFourth of July Lake to the S.
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