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DSCF0602.JPG4 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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DSCF0605.JPG4 viewsFour tributaries constitute the headwaters of the North Fork of Baron Creek. Of the two flowing from the north, this is the more westerly. The other two flow from the east and southeast.
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DSCF0606.JPG4 viewsLooking downstream from the previous photo, the water flows serenely, in contrast to the steep gradient just downstream.
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DSCF0610.JPG4 viewsThe trail becomes rather sparse. It is seldom traveled. At least there is shade now as the sun has set to the northwest below the steep hillside. This is a relief as I descend quickly toward Grandjean, at a much lower elevation.
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DSCF0618.JPG4 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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DSCF0639.JPG4 viewsHiking gets more difficult as one nears Warm Springs Creek. This is the third time I have descended through here. Following this drainage for the most of the descent may be the easier route. The red stain on the west facing slope is an indicator that the entrance to Iron Basin is further northwest.
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DSCF0643.JPG4 viewsTwenty-five minutes of working through fallen timber leads to the crossing. There is a good trail on the east side. It couldn't be more welcome!
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DSCF0648.JPG4 viewsI start my ascent into Iron Basin, staying well east of the gorge. A map indicates a trail, but it is not evident. Game trails start, then vanish. If one keeps climbing, one eventually stumbles onto a trail.
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DSCF0649.JPG4 viewsThirty minutes into the climb, I find what appears to be a pretty decent trail!
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DSCF0651.JPG4 viewsThe trail stays on the east side of the drainage, and reaches a plateau.
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DSCF0652.JPG4 viewsI find what I recall from the first time I did this loop; water. It is located in a fairly flat section immediately above the initial steep-walled gorge. I stop and pump enough water to mix a hydration drink. It's worth getting enough water here for the night, in the event you fail to find the creek near the 8700' level in the basin above.
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DSCF0659.JPG4 viewsI took this photo of the ridge on the south side of Iron Basin as a reference to help locate that stream next trip. It descends west northwest from WCP-7 (10777'), which is not visible and further left (east southeast). I believe there is a small lake behind it to the south. The lake is perched well above the east side of the lower north/south section leading to Iron Basin proper. I have not yet seen it, but it is a possible water source.
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