Viva las Sawtooths!
After our August 2008 attempt to climb Mt. Rainier ended in rain and fog one mile from the Visitor's Center, Debbie and I were looking for something dry and fun to do. Scouring the weather map of the western U.S. we saw central Idaho was going to miss the storm, and pointed the truck in that direction. We spent a night in Boise, bought a guidebook, and headed to Stanley the next day. The Sawtooth mountain range reared up on the western side of the road like an angry rodent. Just our style. We started our trip, a popular loop hike to Toxaway Lake, at the Pettit Lake trailhead.
Deb at the trailhead, happy to be warm and dry after Mt. Rainier
Hard to get lost around here.
Cruising up the trail toward Toxaway. This is a beautiful hike, with wonderful meadows, stream crossings and lakes.
Good to be back in the mountains.
At camp, Debbie mysteriously found "Rattie" in her pack. We had to welcome him to the trip in our own unique way.
The fishing in Toxaway was pretty good despite the image the lake's name conjures up.
Sunset on Toxaway
Off we go the next morning, ready to hit Snowyside Pass. We got an early start, and had the entire area to ourselves.
Approaching Snowyside Pass, a wind tunnel that perfectly funneled cold air on to our sweaty bodies. Bbbbrrrrr!
The view from the top of Snowyside Pass toward Twin Lakes and Snowyside Peak.
Indian paintbrush along the trail
After a few miles of beautiful, pleasant hiking we arrived at Alice Lake. We ate lunch by its side, wishing we had more time to spend here. It seemed like an overnight trip didn't do the place justice, but we know we'll be back.
