Due to recent Grizzly activity in the Wind Rivers, and a long held desire to finally hike into the Sawtooths, we decided this time "Idaho here we come!". So my best friend, his college age son( both from NC) and I flew into SLC getting there late on Saturday 082011. The evening we did some shopping at REI, and slept in the next morning, then hit the road towards Stanley, ID.
I could not make the upcoming group hang put together by Paul Gibson of Arrowhead Equip., my friends had to go this week. But I got superb advice from Paul, and it all proved to be spot on. Thanks, Paul! The first advice we took was to hit Smiley Creek Lodge for supper on the way in. The food was great, and we went back there for another meal and milk shake on the way out.
We only had the cheap throw away cameras, so sorry for the quality of the pics. I still have to get my partners pics. After a late start and crossing Redfish Lake (~6550) by boat, we made it to where the trail crosses the Redfish Creek. Trees are endless, but so are widowmakers, which really adds to the challenge of finding a safe place to sleep. So you guys be careful next week! We decided we better take this nice looking camp area - where we were able to pitch 3 hammocks out of reach of the widow makers, before it got dark:
Jagged Peaks rose another 1500-2500 ft straight up above us on all sides. ( N44.07 W115.004 ~ 7420 ) We only had a cheap throw away camera to try and record this truly spectacular area:
At last, taking a load off of my aching feet!
Packing up next morning, ready for another ~ 1000 ft climb to Cramer Lakes!
Good base camp with fishing and lounging and minor day hikes:
Notice the good sized water fall pouring into middle Cramer on the RT:
Upper Cramer:
Fishing at Middle Cramer:
A very cold swim in snow melt at ~ 8360:
A good time was had by all! The Sawtooths- despite these very inadequate pics- are truly spectacular, with cold, crystal clear lakes and streams.
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