Idaho Exposure

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

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IMG_7931.JPG20 viewsAs I recall, there is a waterfall at the inlet of this lake. There was so much snow this year, the waterfall is completely hidden under the snow couloir in the center of the photo! See photos in the gallery, "Thompson Peak, via Goat Lake, September 13, 2013" to see the waterfall in a lower snow year.
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IMG_7970.JPG20 viewsEvening alpenglow on Thompson Peak as viewed from our camp at 8900'.
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DSCF0315.JPG20 viewsDespite foregoing fishing in favor of an earlier start crossing south to the Boulder Chain Lakes, it is already 11 am when my goal, the saddle (on the skyline, hidden behind the black buttress mid-frame), becomes apparent from the southeast end of Cove Lake. I decide to drop down to Island Lake to take advantage of a ridge climbing southwest to the same point reached alternatively by contouring across the loose talus on the right of the photo. This ridge is evident below the sharp peak on the skyline.
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DSCF0317.JPG20 viewsHeading southeast above Island Lake to the ridge leading up the right skyline.
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DSCF0318.JPG20 viewsAbout 1 pm, I am rewarded with cool running water in the grassy drainage below two small tarns. It’s the perfect spot to re-hydrate with an electrolyte-infused sports drink. Island Lake is far below on the right.
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DSCF0464.JPG20 viewsLooking west down the Fourth of July Creek drainage and across the Sawtooth Valley to the Sawtooth Range.
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DSCF0471.JPG20 viewsI descended further to the west before entering what I thought was the correct chute. Once again, I realized it was not. The angle of the slope never lessened, but I had climbed high enough to reach the ridge without much more effort. On the ridge, I realized I was even further west than the day before. It was easy going on the ridge.
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IMG_1601.jpg19 viewsThe view from camp 13 at dusk.
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IMG_1687.jpg19 viewsMorning light breaks through the clouds to the east lighting Grand Mogul.
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IMG_6490.JPG19 viewsThe professor checks out Mahogany Creek(?)
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