Teton Wilderness, late July 2022

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Fungi

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May 9, 2022
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Hello,

I'm planning a 13 day backpacking trip in Wyoming's Teton Wilderness later this month. My pre-trip research led me to this forum. There seem to be several experts on the area here, and I'd love some feedback on a few things. I have my route mostly planned out, but I'm curious about a few things. First, I'll provide a description of the route I'm planning:

Start at Turpin Meadows and end at Brooks Lake. I have a Facebook friend that will probably be able to shuttle me from Brooks Lake to Turpin Meadows before I start. If that doesn't work out, I'll hike back to Turpin Meadows via Cub Creek and the South Fork of the Buffalo River.

Days 1-5: Turpin Meadows to Bridger Lake, with hopefully a full layover day to explore the upper North Fork of the Buffalo River above North Fork Falls.
Day 6: Layover day at Bridger Lake.
Days 7-10: Bridger Lake to the headwaters of the South Fork of the Yellowstone River, Marston Pass, and Ferry Lake. I hope to include a side trip to Younts Peak.
Days 11-13: Mostly off-trail on the Continental Divide from Ferry Lake to Brooks Lake. I also hope to include a side trip to Wall Mountain.

A few questions:

1) Has anyone here climbed Hawks Rest? The terrain looks reasonable on the south side, but the bushwhacking might be pretty terrible.
2) My guidebook mentions that an ice axe may be necessary to get through the stretch of trail northeast of Marston Pass before August. Has anyone been through there in late July? I'd rather not carry my ice axe on this trip.
3) Most of the route along the Continental Divide looks straight forward, but there is one spot northeast of Crescent Mountain (43.85574, -109.83508) that looks steep and may be tricky. Is anyone familiar with that stretch?
4) It sounds like most people hike from Perry N Boday Lake to Brooks Lake by going down Cub Creek and then through Bear Cub Pass. My preference would be to stay on the divide and come down near Bonneville Pass. Has anyone here tried that route?

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Fungi said:
Hello,

I'm planning a 13 day backpacking trip in Wyoming's Teton Wilderness later this month. My pre-trip research led me to this forum. There seem to be several experts on the area here, and I'd love some feedback on a few things. I have my route mostly planned out, but I'm curious about a few things. First, I'll provide a description of the route I'm planning:

Start at Turpin Meadows and end at Brooks Lake. I have a Facebook friend that will probably be able to shuttle me from Brooks Lake to Turpin Meadows before I start. If that doesn't work out, I'll hike back to Turpin Meadows via Cub Creek and the South Fork of the Buffalo River.

Days 1-5: Turpin Meadows to Bridger Lake, with hopefully a full layover day to explore the upper North Fork of the Buffalo River above North Fork Falls.
Day 6: Layover day at Bridger Lake.
Days 7-10: Bridger Lake to the headwaters of the South Fork of the Yellowstone River, Marston Pass, and Ferry Lake. I hope to include a side trip to Younts Peak.
Days 11-13: Mostly off-trail on the Continental Divide from Ferry Lake to Brooks Lake. I also hope to include a side trip to Wall Mountain.

A few questions:

1) Has anyone here climbed Hawks Rest? The terrain looks reasonable on the south side, but the bushwhacking might be pretty terrible.
2) My guidebook mentions that an ice axe may be necessary to get through the stretch of trail northeast of Marston Pass before August. Has anyone been through there in late July? I'd rather not carry my ice axe on this trip.
3) Most of the route along the Continental Divide looks straight forward, but there is one spot northeast of Crescent Mountain (43.85574, -109.83508) that looks steep and may be tricky. Is anyone familiar with that stretch?
4) It sounds like most people hike from Perry N Boday Lake to Brooks Lake by going down Cub Creek and then through Bear Cub Pass. My preference would be to stay on the divide and come down near Bonneville Pass. Has anyone here tried that route?

Thanks in advance for the help!
Click to expand...
1) Yes, yes, and yes.
2) No need for an ice axe.
3) You'll be able to see the route. Not bad at all.
4) Definitely do the Bonneville Route.

Sending you a PM also.
 
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I did Marston on July 19 of 2020 (a roughly average snow year). There were a couple snowfields to cross but I was alright with trail runners and trekking poles.

That stretch of the Divide is great, enjoy.
 
LarryBoy said:
I did Marston on July 19 of 2020 (a roughly average snow year). There were a couple snowfields to cross but I was alright with trail runners and trekking poles.

That stretch of the Divide is great, enjoy.
Click to expand...
Good to hear, thanks!
 
Fungi, Sounds Good!

Now Mountain Rabbit was right in his replies. As for dayhiking up the North Fork above North Fork Falls ... this country burned back in 2012 I believe it was. The Upper North Fork was a favorite place of mine. At times had some close Grizzly Bear encounters in head of the North Fork. Also walking along on top of the Continental Divide from the North Fork of the Buffalo to Jay Creek is Great and Awesome!!!! Also as for the Thorofare when you are at Bridger Lake ... hiking over to where the Yellowstone River and Thorofare Creek join up together is a great dayhike from Bridger Lake. Bridger Lake and Hawks Rest area provides a good base in exploring all of the nearby area. Go For It! Great Country!
 
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Thanks to everyone for the helpful information! Our trip was as great as I expected. I'll post trip reports on here eventually, though it usually takes me a long time to finish them.
 
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