The Stanley Basin

The great Stanley Basin; a grand gathering of sage and wildflowers at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Alpine Moose

It's fairly rare to see a moose in the alpine lakes of the Sawtooth mountains. But every once in a while, when you're least expecting it - there he is.

Williams Peak

Williams peak, in the Sawtooth Wilderness, with Thompson Peak on its left - appearing as a clenched fist of orange granite.

Hell Roaring Lake

Hell Roaring Lake is a wonderful little hike in the Sawtooth Mountains. The most prominent granite spire in the background - The Finger of Fate - was decapitated during the earthquakes of 2020. Alas, the summit is gone, and so too is the tiny spire behind - the Arrowhead - which was also tumbled off the ridge.

Patience

A slim stand of aspen huddle in the mountains shadow, clinging to every last bit of color, patiently waiting for the snow.

Mt. Corruption, Lost River Range - Idaho

Kathryn Lake

Kathryn Lake, Sawtooth Mountains - Idaho One of the greatest unknowns of the Sawtooths is this rather large lake at the headwaters of Redfish Valley. It lies atop a glacier-scoured mesa of granite batholith and is ringed by jagged, mostly un-named, peaks. It is difficult to get here, as no established trail comes even close, but the rewards of solitude and beauty are well worth the effort. There are no signs of camps here - no fire rings or tent platforms. This is wilderness, and it should be treated as delicately as possible. There is no reason, ever, to have a fire at high alpine lakes such as this. The warming qualities of an open fire have long been replaced by modern fabrics and goose down. So, if its just the hypnotic television quality of the fire that you need, please stay with the motorhome crowds at the designated lakeside campgrounds. This place is wild - and should always remain so.

Cloudy with a Chance of Snow

A cold sunrise on the Sawtooth Mountains. A dusting of snow heralds the month of October, as does the 19 degree temps and my ungloved fingers.

Feather Lakes

Feather Lakes and the granite spine that culminates with Warbonnet Peak.

Thin Ice

Sawtooth Lake in June.

The Road Less Traveled

Stanley basin and the Sawtooth Mountains.

Hide and Seek

Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho.

Autumn in the Utopian Cirque

Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho.

The Beauty of Silence, Sawtooth Mountains - Idaho

No-Name Lake

There are so many un-named lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains that at least a few have taken on this title.

Blue Sky, Lost River Range - Idaho

A Place of Wonder

Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho

Still Life

Absolute stillness. No wind. The only thing that could have fractured the water was the movement of my own legs - knee deep with flip-flops, bundled with my down coat against the 24 degree morning, and as still as a stone. McGown Peak - Sawtooths.

Sawtooth Eclipse - Idaho

A Late Ski Season

In May, the ski season in the Sawtooth backcountry might still be fantastic!