Southern Idaho Independence Hike July 12-14

**pgibson** · 06-22-2013, 14:33

Summer is here, snow is gone from all but the highest areas and it's time to get together for a hang.

Date: July 12-14
Location: Independence Lakes Link to Map of the lakes Link to map of trail head to lakes The trail head is on the east side of the campground. A small campground is across the creek from the parking lot and bathroom. At the far side of the CG is the trail head headed due east for the first part.

The area can be accessed from the west near Oakley(due south of Burly) or from the east near the town of Malta. In either case the roads on top of the mountain are a little confusing and a GPS will come in very handy to find the trail head.

The Trail: The trail is approximately 4 miles long with 1200-1300 feet of elevation gain. The trail begins with a slight climb to the east out of the campground then hooks to the SW and climbs a number of switchbacks to the first of 4 lakes.

Fishing: Both the first and second lakes have ben regularly stocked with Greyling and Cutthroat in the past and should be fishing very well this time of year.

The Plan:

I will be driving up early Friday morning and hike out from the trail head as soon as I arrive. I may be bringing one or both of my boys, 6 & 9 years old and possibly my wife. So this will be a family friendly event. We will camp along the edge of one of the first two lakes with out camp site easy to find.

Hiking in will be on our own rather than trying to coordinate getting to the trail all at the same time but I will be shooting for starting the hike between 10-11AM. Meals will be every man for themselves....yes a little bit of Independence for each of us.

Everyone is welcome, plenty of trees in the forest.

Pic of the first lake

**KSC** · 06-22-2013, 15:10

Sounds like fun Paul. I will see if I can make this.

Keith

**pgibson** · 06-24-2013, 19:10

Originally Posted by KSC

Sounds like fun Paul. I will see if I can make this.

Keith

Would be great if you could make it Keith. It's a cool spot and there are some peaks you would love to hike to the top of. Mr. Mtn Goat.

**KSC** · 06-24-2013, 19:51

I will make sure this trip happens. I may be a little later getting there on Friday depending on when I get away from work. This will be fun.

Do you have a suggestion for a map? I was going to order one from the Forest Service unless you have a better one in mind.

**pgibson** · 06-24-2013, 20:14

I can print and mail you down one. Want the trail and or roads more? The trail is well marked both at the trail head and at the one fork. But it's the parking that I think is a little tricky, course first time we went it was in the dark.

**KSC** · 06-25-2013, 21:03

I will order a FS map and that should give me everything I will need.
Thanks for the offer.

**pgibson** · 06-25-2013, 21:06

Originally Posted by KSC

I will order a FS map and that should give me everything I will need.
Thanks for the offer.

Its not a problem. I can print out anything in the US on waterproof paper. Take me less than 5 min....don't wast $ on ordering a map. I have one ready that will be in the mail tomorrow to you.

Same goes for anyone else that wants to come.

**blaktee** · 06-30-2013, 19:11

Unless something crazy happens at work between now and the hang. Trooper and I will be there!!!

looking forward to hanging with you guys!

**pgibson** · 07-06-2013, 12:03

Just a week left till the trip. Got some gear yesterday for the DUDE. I need to make up a few things for his set up this week and make some final decisions about my gear then just pick up our food. Can't wait till we hit the trail.