pstm13
Auribus Teneo Lupum
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2012
- Messages
- 572
After reading several trip reports on this area I finally made a trip to the Sawtooths. I have lived in Idaho for several decades but have failed to visit the Sun Valley area. My wife and I did not have a lot of time so the trip was limited to one night. However, I plan to come back next summer and hopefully spend a week in the area padding my numbers for the bag night challenge.
The drive to Stanley, ID is very scenic. The highway winds it's way up the Galena summit and then drops down into the Sawtooth Valley passing the head waters of the Salmon River which produces about 1/2 the steel head salmon in the Columbia River. We met my wife's friend in Stanley and ate lunch at a really nice sandwich shop called the Stanley Baking Company and Cafe.
The Iron Creek trail head is just a few miles west of town. The parking lot tends to be full of cars during the weekend during the summer as this is a very popular hike. The trail is very gradual and a great pick for those who are new to backpacking and wanting to get back country experience. It would also be a good solo trip for those wanting other people around to help if there was a problem. The trail head is also an access point for more challenging trips.
The trial follows Iron Creek up the canyon. After a mile the trail forks with the Alpine Way Trail that leads to Goat Lake. After 4 miles of hiking we reached Alpine Lake. The first three miles were very easy and almost flat. With the last mile came an increase in grade and switchbacks.
Upon reaching Alpine Lake we set up camp and went for a small hike around the lake. The water was clear and appeared to be well stocked with trout. I kicked myself for not bringing my pole.
The next morning we stowed our packs and set off on the short 1 mile hike up to Sawtooth Lake. The trail was much steeperthan before. The rise in elevation offered an incredible view of the surrounding area.
Just before reaching Sawtooth Lake the trail follows the stream that drains the lake.
The trail opens up and passes on the shore of the lake toward Mt. Regan and the Grandjean trail head (a great option if you want to avoid most of the people). The total elevation gain is about 1700 ft.
The water was crystal clear and still being fed by melting snow.
After spending some time enjoying the view we hiked back down to Alpine Lake, put on our packs, and headed down the mountain. This was a great trip that I would recommend for almost anyone regardless of skill level.
The 10 mile round trip is much less challenging than other hikes in the area and has a very gradual slope for most of the trail.
Featured image for home page:
The drive to Stanley, ID is very scenic. The highway winds it's way up the Galena summit and then drops down into the Sawtooth Valley passing the head waters of the Salmon River which produces about 1/2 the steel head salmon in the Columbia River. We met my wife's friend in Stanley and ate lunch at a really nice sandwich shop called the Stanley Baking Company and Cafe.
The Iron Creek trail head is just a few miles west of town. The parking lot tends to be full of cars during the weekend during the summer as this is a very popular hike. The trail is very gradual and a great pick for those who are new to backpacking and wanting to get back country experience. It would also be a good solo trip for those wanting other people around to help if there was a problem. The trail head is also an access point for more challenging trips.
The trial follows Iron Creek up the canyon. After a mile the trail forks with the Alpine Way Trail that leads to Goat Lake. After 4 miles of hiking we reached Alpine Lake. The first three miles were very easy and almost flat. With the last mile came an increase in grade and switchbacks.
Upon reaching Alpine Lake we set up camp and went for a small hike around the lake. The water was clear and appeared to be well stocked with trout. I kicked myself for not bringing my pole.
The next morning we stowed our packs and set off on the short 1 mile hike up to Sawtooth Lake. The trail was much steeperthan before. The rise in elevation offered an incredible view of the surrounding area.
Just before reaching Sawtooth Lake the trail follows the stream that drains the lake.
The trail opens up and passes on the shore of the lake toward Mt. Regan and the Grandjean trail head (a great option if you want to avoid most of the people). The total elevation gain is about 1700 ft.
The water was crystal clear and still being fed by melting snow.
After spending some time enjoying the view we hiked back down to Alpine Lake, put on our packs, and headed down the mountain. This was a great trip that I would recommend for almost anyone regardless of skill level.
The 10 mile round trip is much less challenging than other hikes in the area and has a very gradual slope for most of the trail.
Featured image for home page:
