Tuesday August 12, 15.5mi/24.9km

Trail Creek Lakes (244.2/7990ft) to SF Payette River at Pinchot Creek (225.8/6150ft) (ID) -2.9mi Sawtooth Lodge drive

We were all awake at 6:30, and after a leisurely start to the morning, left camp around 8:30. The water in the lake was remarkably still and made some beautiful morning reflections.

Our morning was an easy 5 mile descent down to Grandjean Campground and Sawtooth Lodge. We followed Trail Creek downhill all morning.

Lots of fun discussions ensued on the easy hike down the valley, gonna miss these people when they depart later today.

Looking down the valley:

At 11:30 we crossed the bridge into the campground, and I promptly hiked to the closest privy.

After the four of us regrouped, Randi drove us a mile down the road to the Sawtooth Lodge.

It was actually perfect timing as we got there at noon, as they only serve food from noon to 2 pm. We each ordered a sandwich and drink, and while I was waiting for my fancy turkey sandwich to be made, I browsed the small selection of goods for sale.

I was surprised to see the fuel canisters, that’s a really key item for most hikers. It was a delicious lunch and I topped it off with a Butterfinger milkshake.

After lunch we drove a further half mile down the road to the free Sacajawea Hot Springs.

There were a bunch of rock pools on the riverside, and hot water flowed down from the hill, mixing with the cold water from the river. It was quite a unique experience, and unlike any other hot spring I’ve visited on this trail yet. After almost an hour there, the four of us went back to the trailhead, where we set our goodbyes. I would be continuing South through the Sawtooths, while the three of them went into Stanley. I’ll miss hiking with my friends, that was a fun and relaxing 4 days. I packed up, filled out a permit, and retraced my steps across the bridge. I didn’t get very far when I ran across David and his dog, who are hiking a couple day loop in the Sawtooths.

He was a super interesting guy from Boise, knew all about the Idaho Centennial Trail, and is looking into hiking the Nez Perce Trail. Before we parted ways, he gave me an ice cold Mountain Dew. I don’t usually drink caffeine, but the cold fizzy beverage was very nice. Finally across the bridge, I continued South towards Baron Creek.

The trail started off very nice and I soon re-entered the Wilderness.

Most of this area had burned recently, and despite that, the trail was in fantastic shape.

It was hot down at this elevation of 5,000 ft, but I enjoyed the views of the Payette River valley.

It was easy flat hiking for a couple of hours, mostly on a benched trail above the valley, but occasionally next to the river.

Further up the valley, the trail started to climb, which coincided with the end of the burn area, so fortunately I had shade during the climb uphill. There were also these nice little boardwalks over the wet muddy areas.

My original plan was to make it to Elk Lake, but instead I stopped a couple miles shy at a trailside campsite near Pinchot Creek.

It’s not a beautiful lakeside campsite like the last few nights, but it sure was convenient.