Backpacking in the Sawtooth Wilderness

Sawtooth Wilderness boundary

Looking toward the far side of Farley Lake - the first campsite 

This past weekend, I went backpacking on an iconic loop in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho. The Sawtooths are beloved and renowned for their dramatic sharp, rocky peaks that resemble the teeth on a saw. I had only been to the Sawtooths once before (six years ago when I was working a seasonal position in McCall), so I was looking forward to exploring more. 

I hiked the Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop, and spent two nights in the backcountry. This was the perfect amount of time to spend backpacking, since it's been several years since I've hit the trail and done backcountry camping. My back and legs were achy and tired by the end of the weekend, but this trip itinerary allowed 

The fire smoke that has been looming over Boise was present in Stanley (a small river town close to the Sawtooths) and the views of the mountains took on a dreamlike, mystical quality with the haze and dust in the air. 

The loop crosses plenty of fresh, cold water streams to use a water pump or otherwise filter drinking water. The trails were not overly crowded, and the dispersed camping nature of traveling in the wilderness means you can choose to camp anywhere, and distance yourself from other backpackers. 

Spending time in the wilderness was a welcome time of relaxation and a shift in focus away from the pandemic to the motion of putting my feet forward on the trail, the satisfaction taking off my backpack at the end of each day, and the delight in seeing new lakes and beautiful mountains. 

Head to the Sawtooth National Forest's website to find out more information on the Sawtooth Wilderness, including  advisories, maps, and permit information. Happy trails! 

Perched on a rocky bluff above Farley Lake at the first campsite 

A rewarding view of the Twin Lakes after traversing the Snowyside Divide

Beautiful Alice Lake 

Bridge crossing over one of the many streams on the trail 

The beautiful rocky ravine on the return trip to Pettit Lake