Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0593.JPG6 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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DSCF0626.JPG6 viewsThe Sawtooth range on the horizon, across the Sawtooth Valley, a bit further north.
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DSCF0627.JPG6 viewsThis is the second time I have come across tents on the plateau above Strawberry Basin to the north. The views are nice, but there is no water here.
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DSCF0628.JPG6 viewsThe trail ascends to this point overlooking Strawberry Basin, with the first views of the White Cloud Peaks.
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DSCF0631.JPG6 viewsI'm thinking that peak furthest west, to the left of the peak with the shadow (below the cloud), is Mount Cramer, above Imogene Lake. Let me know if I'm wrong!
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DSCF0629.JPG6 viewsSouth toward the trail head. Fourth of July Lake is to the southeast, behind the ridge in the foreground.
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DSCF0635.JPG6 viewsThe deep recession, to the left and above the center of frame, leads into Iron Basin, my destination this evening.
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DSCF0634.JPG6 viewsThe west face of D. O. Lee Peak is bisected by an east-west ridge with D. O. Lee Peak (11342) on the east (frame right) and WCP-8 (10557') .9 mile west (left) on the ridge (center of frame). The high saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and W. C. P. 9 which leads to Big Boulder Lakes is hidden from view. This same feature is visible from the west side of Toxaway Lake.
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DSCF0636.JPG6 viewsLooking down into Strawberry Basin. It is easier to leave the rocky trail, and walk in the meadow as soon as possible. My first navigational error today was to continue too far down the rocky pack trail.
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DSCF0637.JPG6 viewsMeadow at roughly 8700' level in Strawberry Basin.
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DSCF0644.JPG6 viewsPleasant hiking offers glimpses of Warm Springs Creek.
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DSCF0645.JPG6 viewsForty minutes later, the trail enters an open area with lots of down timber. Fresh saw cuts in down timber make for much easier going than last year.
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