Panorama looking back toward Stanley, Idaho.
Robyn and Mom resting before the switchbacks.
Mom and dad watching from a nice rock in the sun while Robyn and I pull in Brook Trout from Sawtooth Lake.
Perfect sunny evening.
Lower McGown Lake
Maxin’ relaxin’
Pops fishing McGown Lake. This little spot proved to be the best fishing of the trip.
One of my favorite pictures and views. Pops and I enjoying the 2,000 ft vertical relieve around Sawtooth Lake.
A pretty rainbow. Tasty too.
vibrant Gentiun.
Landing a beautiful Cutthroat Trout
Fireweed on the way to McGown Lakes
Little trees growing from a floating snag.
WEEEE!!!!
Catching little Brook Trout from our camp lake.
Morning and evening proved to be the best fishing and by the end, we had a technique down to land one about every three casts. Fun stuff.
Mom, Mom, MOM, mamma, mom, maaaaaaamma. MOM!
Sawtooth Lake with Mt Regan (~10,000ft) as a backdrop.
Checking out Sawtooth Lake on our first night as the sun goes down.
Hiking around the lake on a nice evening.
Cookin’ dinner. Although it froze the first night, we generally had warm mornings and cool nights. Hardly a cloud in the sky, and the rain the day before cleared the smoke from recent fires.
Another incredible view of the Jawbone. That there is why they are called the Sawtooth Mountains. Beautiful.
Mom and Rob.
A great shot from Rob of the stream leaving our camp overlooking the Jawbone.
Our camp for two nights was nestled along a small lake shore between Alpine and Sawtooth Lakes at about 8,300ft.
The small lake right next to camp. We spot casted for lots of little Brook Trout here in the mornings and evenings.
Mom and Pop on the last hard bit from Alpine Lake to Sawtooth Lake.
Reaching a great overlook before the switchbacks to Alpine Lake. I started referring to this ridge as the “Jawbone” and it sat right behind our camp providing an amazing depth to our daily views.
Gorging on Red Huckleberry and Currants along the trail.
The first HOLY SHIT moment of the hike. First of many. I could have spent all day right here.
Roots sprouting from an underwater branch in crystal clear Iron Creek.
These photos reveal how most of Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountains feel: raw, wild, and comforting. Most of the time, our surroundings looked like a playground for even the tiniest of creatures. Giant rock slabs and granite boulders, jagged peaks, grassy patches and vibrant wildflowers, and dusty trails – all simple, but priceless details – details worth treasuring.
Those quiet moments of breathless awe reaching our creekside campsite, the feeling of being completely encapsulated by jagged mountain peaks, alpine meadows and lakes, and adorable pikas scrambling about. The excitement of sleeping in each morning and the consequent appreciation of nap time. Fresh mountain air, coffee in the warm sunshine, and breakfast on our rocky porch. Afternoons spent lounging, fishing and daydreaming…
SPORT ACTION!
Too perfect not to nap. A nice lazy afternoon along the lakes.
This was the back porch. Beer and whiskey happen here.
Apart from clinging to these special memories, I think we allowed ourselves to savor every single moment, where laughing occurred often and we slept well every night.
Panorama of Sawtooth Lake
We hiked a lot – sometimes to see another lake or to look around the next corner. Sometimes we just listened to the little baby birds sing and trout jump from the water. And sometimes, we marveled at how small we felt in the vastness of the terrain.
Iron Creek Trailhead, ready for a great three days!
The weekend spent with MK and PS was magical. We devoured good food, made and shared incredible memories, and enjoyed every bit of raw, wild, and comforting Idaho.
Sigh…. I just loved this trip. So jazzed that Da and I are using some of our annual coast trip time to do a backpack in the Gorge! Someplace around Mt Adams/Mt St. Helens.
amazing photos and i know they didn’t even start to capture the beauty… sign me up for the next trip!
Would be so awesome if you came! Trying to get out in the Sawtooths more often next year. As for the rest of this year… hoping the fires get doused.