Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0619.JPG
 DSCF0619.JPG2 viewsThis pine reminds me of a giant Bonsai tree. If only the botanist were here!
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 DSCF0803.jpg2 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.
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 DSCF0804.jpg2 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.
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 DSCF0805.jpg2 viewsThe outlet to Hell Roaring Lake is reached in roughly five miles from the lower trail head. A log bridge makes crossing the outlet to the south shore of the lake trivial.
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 DSCF0806.jpg2 viewsLog congestion just west of Hell Roaring Lake's outlet.
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 DSCF0807.jpg2 viewsFinger of Fate rises to the west above Hell Roaring Lake. I understand some of this rock formation was lost in an earthquake two or three years ago. This was the same earthquake that took down some of Baron Spire above the Baron Lakes further north in the Sawtooth range. The technical route to the summit is 9 pitches. The easiest route is 5.8.
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 DSCF0809.jpg2 viewsI passed by several granite walls adjacent to the trail that offered good bouldering opportunities that could easily be top-roped.
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 DSCF0811.jpg2 viewsCloser on the tarn. I wanted to get close to one of the lily pads, but it was boggy, and I would have had to remove my shoes to avoid wet socks. It was almost 4 pm, and I decided to keep hiking, hoping I would be able to set up camp and maybe even do some fishing before it got dark.
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 DSCF0816.jpg2 viewsLake at 8260', about a mile below (north) the outlet of Imogene Lake.
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 DSCF0819.jpg2 viewsLake at 8260'; outlet.
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 DSCF0820.jpg2 viewsJust before arriving at Imogene Lake, the trail crosses stream descending from the outflow of a small lake (8400') northeast of Imogene Lake.
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 DSCF0822.jpg2 viewsI arrive at the southeast end of Imogene Lake at 5 pm. The sun is low enough that I really needed to shade the lens with my hand. I want to find a campsite near the inlet. By the time I get the tent set up, the food hang in place, and filter water, I doubt I will have time to fish. I am not familiar with campsites here, aside from being tired.
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