Sawtooth Wilderness Area, Idaho

The "Favorite" tag on this post is mostly due to the first hike. While the hike along Fishhook Creek was nice and had excellent scenery at the end, Sawtooth Lake was spectacular throughout.

Sawtooth Lake

This hike had everything going for it. Along the way I saw three lakes, beautiful, rugged mountains, a small creek, and waterfalls in the distance. The trail started off mostly flat, then climbed using well-designed switchbacks, and finally navigated over some rocky terrain. But even at its steepest, it was still manageable to the point that it was never overly strenuous.

There were a fair number of hikers and backpackers, but I didn't feel crowded. The weather was cool in the beginning and mild at the end. With the scenery, difficulty level, number of people, and weather, this was the ideal hike for me.

The first mile of the trail made its way through forest and greenery on one side and a burned area from a fire sometime in the past on the other. While there were plenty of charred trees and ground, the plant life reclaiming the land was equally noticeable.

Trail through Burned Area

As I made my way over the gently rolling terrain, I was presented with peeks through the trees at the surrounding mountains.

Sun Glow

Jagged Edge

For most of the hike, I followed the general route of Iron Creek as it made its way down the mountainside from the three lakes that were my destination. At one point, I crossed it using rocks and logs.

Iron Creek

After about two miles, I began to climb upward using gentle switchbacks. I eventually came to a grass-covered meadow studded with trees.

Green Oasis

After some more climbing, I arrived at Alpine Lake. I took a spur trail to make my way down near the lake to see it from closer up.

Alpine Lake from Above

Crags Tower over Alpine Lake

I then returned to the main trail and began a bit of a steeper ascent over rockier terrain.

Rocky Trail

This is where I rose above the denser forested land and took in some spectacular views of the area's mountains.

Sawteeth

White and Green upon Gray

I never know what I'll encounter while out hiking...like this tree remnant whose shape reminded me of Angelina Jolie's character in the movie, Maleficent.

Maleficent

I didn't see many animals except for some chipmunks, a curious squirrel or two, and one pika. They and the birds in the trees were very vocal throughout the hike.

Ground Squirrel Emerges from Burrow

After cresting a ridge, I came to Little Sawtooth Lake, sat down at one end, and ate the apple I traditionally take with me.

Little Sawtooth Lake from Above

Little Sawtooth Lake during Snack Stop

Wildflowers are certainly a hardy bunch. They seem to be adept at maintaining a foothold in dry, rugged areas such as this one. Here are three varieties I saw during the hike.

White Mariposa Lily

Cushion Buckwheat

Pink Mountainheath

I made the final short climb over another crest to the stunning Sawtooth Lake. I navigated around to the right to get the best views.

Sawtooth Lake

Mountains along Shoreline

Peak Speckled with Snow in July

Fishhook Creek

This hike meandered through trees near the base of a hill that rose from a mostly flat area. As it was fairly short and rated easy, it attracted quite a few hikers of all ages.