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DSCF0452.JPG6 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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DSCF0455.JPG6 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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DSCF0456.JPG6 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.JPG6 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.JPG6 viewsThis looks deep and fast, with the possibility of being swept under a log.
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DSCF0459.JPG6 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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DSCF0516.JPG6 viewsAlpenglow; D. O. Lee Peak above the inlet at Cove Lake.
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DSCF0518.JPG6 viewsClimbing a ridge west of peak 9883 after descending almost to Island Lake. This ridge will take me to the pass, and my descent to Hummock Lake. Glad to be climbing up and away from the irresponsible pet owner’s noisy dog on the far side of the lake, spoiling everyone’s wilderness experience!
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DSCF0517.JPG6 viewsThe view southeast from my campsite at inlet, Cove Lake. I’ll be heading in that direction to cross into the Boulder Chain Lakes Basin.
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DSCF0520.JPG6 viewsMy route involves some elevation loss, but ascends this delightful grassy drainage along a stream, alternating with solid rock buttresses. A lovely place to stop for a snack.
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DSCF0540.JPG6 viewsThe tarn southwest of Windy Devil comes into view. Beyond that, my next objective; the tower with the keyhole marking the top of the “Devil’s Staircase” on the skyline frame right. It is a gentle climb to the base, culminating in 4 steep switch backs to reach the saddle just right (north) of the pinnacle. I descend the more northerly chute to Born Lakes. See https://idahoexposure.com/hike/thumbnails.php?album=40 for more photos.
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DSCF0567.JPG6 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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