Idaho Exposure

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

Most viewed
DSCF0698.JPG
 DSCF0698.JPG4 viewsLooking southwest into upper Bighorn Basin. Over that ridge, almost three miles distant, is Strawberry Basin, where I was mid-day yesterday.
DSCF0699.JPG
 DSCF0699.JPG4 viewsI plan to reach that outcrop, crossing below it on the left (north) side. The wider lens makes this look less steep than it is. The previous shot gives a better idea if how steep the route is.
DSCF0702c.JPG
 DSCF0702c.JPG4 viewsBeyond the outcrop in the foreground; upper Bighorn Basin. Just out of view to the right (west) along the first ridge in the foreground is WCP-8 (10557'). Beyond the first ridge is Strawberry Basin. Sawtooth Valley lies beyond the next ridge. The Sawtooth crest is on the western horizon.
DSCF0709.JPG
 DSCF0709.JPG4 viewsCirque, Sapphire, and Cove Lakes in the Big Boulder Lakes Basin just below. The climb out of Bighorn Basin to the saddle took an hour and a half.
DSCF0712.JPG
 DSCF0712.JPG4 viewsThe inlet is very deep, especially below the sunlit boulders on the right. I saw several large trout just off that rock on the inlet side. I noted the time, hoping to return the next day. Afternoon thundershowers put an end to those hopes.
DSCF0713.JPG
 DSCF0713.JPG4 viewsAnother stream flows into the south end of Cirque Lake. The lake is very shallow at the inlet of this stream. It's already 6 pm, and my hopes of getting a line in the water at Cove Lake are dwindling. Still have to set up the tent, set the hang for the food, pump water, and make some dinner.
DSCF0750.JPG
 DSCF0750.JPG4 viewsWCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle; alpenglow at dawn from inlet at Cove Lake, Big Boulder Lakes Basin. As predicted, this morning is unseasonably cool at 34F. The monsoonal moisture has departed, leaving it clear and cold. The sky is cloudless; no threat of thundershowers, but photographically less interesting.
DSCF0757.JPG
 DSCF0757.JPG4 viewsThe ridge leads up a stream drainage on intermittent grass and rock buttresses just behind the right skyline.
DSCF0798.JPG
 DSCF0798.JPG4 viewsThis green meadow is north of the trail about 40 minutes out of Fourth of July Creek trailhead.
DSCF0799.JPG
 DSCF0799.JPG4 viewsIt's warmer at this lower elevation. The sun has set into the clouds rolling in from the west; monsoonal moisture is returning. The trail usually seems to go forever in this last stretch, but less so this trip. I'm making good time. I recognize the terrain to the north when I am near the trailhead, as that is where I started my "epic loop".
DSCF0803.jpg
 DSCF0803.jpg4 viewsIn about three and a half miles, the trail enters the Sawtooth Wilderness. One is informed that a self-issued wilderness permit is required to travel any further.
DSCF0804.jpg
 DSCF0804.jpg4 viewsIn another quarter mile or so, the trail coming from the upper trail head to the south joins the trail from the lower trail head. The gradient steepens slightly.
3052 files on 255 page(s) 1 - 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 - 255