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| Hiking | 12.68 Miles |
2,777 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.68 Miles | 6 Hrs 3 Mns | | 2.43 mph |
| 2,777 ft AEG | 50 Mns Break | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | The heavy fog on the way in blocked some of the distant views, but when it lifted, it created some eerie and dramatic scenery.
The loop we chose is remote, but Idaho does an excellent job with trail construction and maintenance. Heavy-duty boardwalks (made from 6x12s) spanned swampy areas, and the pit toilets were impressively clean.
With the temperature starting at 42 degrees and moist air throughout the day, the hike stayed comfortable.
Blacktail Lake Trail #24
Our counterclockwise loop first took us on a 3.3-mile side trip through tall pines to Blacktail Lake. This was the first of many lakes we would see during the week. Sweet.
Moose Mountain Trail #213
This section begins the steady 800-foot climb to the top of Moose Mountain (6,543 feet). Along the way, we sampled ripe huckleberries. Linda kept telling us, “The top is just above our heads.” Five false summits later, we finally made it. The panoramic views were worth it, including a great look at Moose Mountain Lake below—our next destination.
Moose Mountain Views: [ youtube video ]
The 1,100-foot descent to the lake was steep and loose in places, which made us glad to be hiking the loop counterclockwise.
Moose Lake Trail #237
Moose Lake is another beauty—clear, quiet, and perfect for a weekend backpack from the trailhead. There are quite a few established campsites scattered around.
Moose Mountain Lake Views: [ youtube video ]
Lake Estelle Trail #36
As an optional addition, we made the 3-mile round-trip detour to Lake Estelle. This turned out to be a highlight of the day. The side trail offered sweeping canyon views, early hints of fall color, and ended at a small, scenic lake. While resting on the shore, we spotted several of Idaho’s state fish—the Cutthroat Trout—swimming past.
Lake Estelle Views: [ youtube video ]
Hike
Peaks: 1
Lakes: 3
Moose: 0
Trip Summary
Peaks: 2
Lakes: 3
Moose: 0 |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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