A Trip to Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness- Backpacking to Toxaway Lake

Pettit Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Our visit to Idaho wasn’t a long one, so we knew we needed to see as much as we could in a short amount of time. After researching our options, we learned of a hike that was prized as the best in the Sawtooths. We decided we’d tackle the Toxaway - Alice Lake backpack counterclockwise while most followed a clockwise route. This would allow for the bulk of the elevation to be tackled on the way in while holding most of the infamous stream crossings until the second day… just in case of a fall. We started mid morning at Pettit Lake, pausing long enough to admire the perfect reflection of the mountains on the still water. As the trail started, we followed a gradual incline parallel to the lake as we headed into the forest.

We came to the first of many stream crossings. Not something we have much experience in, I was feeling nervous about crossing the water with my camera gear. Fortunately this crossing was easy and “got our feet wet” to prepare us for the crossings the next day.

Not long after the stream crossing, we came to the avalanche field. Supposedly there is a route marked through the debris, but we chose to forge our own path. It was fun, but resulted in a few scratched legs!

After clearing the avalanche field, we were ready for lunch. We found a beautiful meadow below Farley Lake and enjoyed our PB&J.

After our lunch break, we continued our climb up towards Toxaway Lake. We passed by Farley Lake quickly and visited the smaller Bowknot Lake just below Toxaway to watch a fly fisherman at work.

Farley Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Parks Peak, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Parks Peak, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Bowknot Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Bowknot Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Toxaway Lake was just passed Bowknot Lake and our feet were relieved. We set up camp quickly and made our way down to the lake. Late afternoon clouds moved quickly over the peaks and as long as you could stand the bugs, you felt so peaceful just watching them. I explored the edge of the lake, while Forrest took a chilly swim.

Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

After exploring around the lake’s edge, I went off in search of a spot to watch the night sky. While it didn’t have the view of the lake that I had hoped, I still thought it would be a great night time shot.

Exhausted after dinner, we set the alarm for 11 p.m. so that we wouldn’t miss the Milky Way. We dozed lightly until it was time to head up on the trail in search of the star filled sky. I wasn’t pleased with the location above the trees, so we went down to the lake bed in hopes of a better view. Finding focus in the dark was especially difficult this time and I was happy to walk away with a couple shots that I liked.

Milky Way over Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Milky Way over Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho

Milky Way over camp at Toxaway Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho