HikingZanetaSawtooth National Forest, Idaho4 Comments

Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

HikingZanetaSawtooth National Forest, Idaho4 Comments
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

Roadtrip serindipity. Sometimes you find what you didn’t even know you were looking for.  When rising temperatures pushed us out of Wyoming we decided to head towards the Oregon coast where temperatures looked nice and cool.  By chance we decided to stop over in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho; after all, it was on the way and why not.  What we found were spectacular mountain ranges, deep gem-colored alpine lakes, some of the best free dispersed camping we had found yet (and a place to hide out from the crowds over the 4th of July holiday) and a ton of hikes to add to our ‘need to do’ list.  I think we will definitely be coming back to this area. 

Dispersed Camping- Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Dispersed Camping- Sawtooth National Recreation Area

http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth National Recreation Area

The highlight of our stay was the gorgeous 19 mile Alice Lake to Toxaway Lake loop backpack through the Sawtooth Wilderness. This trail is the stuff hiking dreams are made of: raging streams (with just enough crossings to keep things interesting), camping by alpine lakes ringed with dramatic jagged peaks and an alpine pass crossing.  We timed our hike to miss the holiday crowds and headed out on the 4th of July.  This worked at well as we had our choice of stunning camp sites; had the lakes to ourselves,  and saw very few people.  We took our time and stayed out 2 nights, but it could be done as a one night as well.  The hike begins at the Tin Cup Trailhead at Pettit Lake and climbs gradually towards Alice Lake where we stayed our first night. There were five stream crossing in this segment; all but one of them were crossable on logs (some more sketchy than others) but could have been forded as well. 

http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
Alice Lake Campsite | Sawtooth Wilderness

Alice Lake Campsite | Sawtooth Wilderness

http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking Toxaway Lake
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking Toxaway Lake
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking
http:/www.the-openroad.com Sawtooth Wilderness Backpacking

We absolutely loved this area and landmarked a bunch of hikes (and hot springs) to check out so hopefully will make it back here soon.

Info: 

Entrance Fees: none

Camping:  Great National Forest free dispersed camping (no services, first come first served) along many of the Forest Service Roads.  Also many National Forest Campgrounds in the area ($12-$14)

Pets: Yes. Leashes required between July 1st and Labor Day within the Sawtooth Wilderness

Maps:  Sawtooth/Whiteclouds, Idaho Trail Map and Guide Adventure Maps Inc. $12.99 

Tips:  A self-registration permit is required for each hiking party in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Permits were available on the trail at the Wilderness boundary on the Alice-Toxaway Loop. Good food and friendly folks at the Kasino Club in Stanley

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