Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0459.JPG
 DSCF0459.JPG5 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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 DSCF0563.JPG5 viewsThese are my favorite pines. I identify them with early hikes in Yosemite. After all these years I'm still not certain which pine it is. I like the pattern on the bark. I think it is a Jeffrey pine, but it could be a sugar pine. If you know, you can contact me on idahoexposure.com.
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 DSCF0567.JPG5 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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 DSCF0575.JPG5 viewsI believe this is a new signpost. The previous sign was bolted to a tree that had fallen, as photographed in the gallery dated one year and one day earlier. Cumulus continues to build over the Stanley Valley.
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 DSCF0590.JPG5 viewsHeading due south from the outlet of Sawtooth Lake toward my appointment with the North Fork of Baron Creek.
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 DSCF0592.JPG5 viewsThe water is so clear. I've never fished this lake. I have taken rainbow on a previous backpack to Lake 8771 to the southeast, leaving the trail at point just before it begins it's steep descent toward the North Fork Baron Creek. I look back to the north and see someone dive into lake. Fearing cardiac arrest, I'm not quite ready to take that plunge!
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 DSCF0593.JPG5 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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 DSCF0595.JPG5 viewsI wonder what caused such a thick branch to be broken from this pine. If it were lightening, one would expect the tree to be blackened from fire. Perhaps an avalanche, or wind when the branch was heavily weighted with snow. Just ahead I will refill water, and mix a much needed electrolytic replacement drink. Geographically, this is the midpoint of the hike. But then, it is all downhill now!
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 DSCF0602.JPG5 viewsDirect sunlight from the west illuminates the snow on Baron Peak (left), and the Monte Verita ridge behind it (center and right). I don't see the distinctive shape of Warbonnet Peak, but I am used to seeing it from the south. It may just be hidden behind Baron Peak. I don't stop to take out the sighting compass and figure out exactly what I am looking at, concerned about thunderstorms causing the North Fork Baron Creek to rise.
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 DSCF0606.JPG5 viewsLooking downstream from the previous photo, the water flows serenely, in contrast to the steep gradient just downstream.
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 DSCF0618.JPG5 viewsThe second (and much easier) crossing of the North Fork Baron Creek from the west side. I spent some time here talking with two different parties, one group from Cincinnati, the other person from South Carolina, camped on opposite sides of the creek. I ran into more people from out of state than those who reside in Idaho. I also took the time for a much needed snack. It's now 8:30 p.m.. Just 3.5 more miles to the trailhead.
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 DSCF0617.JPG5 viewsDescending switchbacks on the west facing slope to the junction with the main Baron Creek Trail, and the second crossing of the North Fork Baron Creek. I never reached direct sunlight the remainder of the hike, so the temperature was comfortable!
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