Aug

26

Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

August 26, 2008 |

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The camera makes everyone a tourist in other people’s reality, and eventually in one’s own.
- Susan Sontag

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The Sawtooth National Recreation Area in central Idaho is one place we try and visit each summer. It is part of the Rocky Mountains and lies at the heart of four different ranges with jagged skylines and hundreds of alpine lakes. The vistas are magnificent and the campgrounds are conveniently located near the ski resort of Sun Valley.

These pictures were taken on three separate visits during the past three years. The mountains are snow clad all year round. However, since our first visit, we have watched the snow recede and the air get smoky from wildfires raging through the nearby forests.

On the western edge of the Sawtooth Recreation Area is area is the town of Stanley which recorded the coldest temperature in the lower 48 states - minus 54F on Dec. 23, 1983.

View from Galena Summit

Four mountain ranges, the Sawtooths, Boulders, White Clouds and Smokies provide scenic landscapes in every direction, with more than 50 major peaks over 10,000 feet, 300 lakes, and 250 miles of trails. There are more than 1,000 high mountain lakes here, as well as the headwaters of four of Idaho’s major rivers, the Salmon, South Fork of the Payette, the Boise, and the Big Wood. (Source)

There was a thick haze as we got on the trailhead to Lake Titus.

The blue-green Lake Titus

Fierce storms are common in this area. Uprooted tree at Lake Alturas.

Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is named for the brilliant Sockeye Salmon that once returned from the Pacific Ocean in such massive quantities that the lake shimmered red during spawning season. Sadly, these fish are now on the endangered species list. (Source)

Last year

This year

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22 Comments so far

  1. Bharti on August 26, 2008 5:15 pm

    My kids n me are enjoying your beautiful pictures…what a lovely holiday!

  2. Jen Yu on August 26, 2008 7:11 pm

    That is beautiful glaciated terrain. My favorite. Hope you two stay safe and have a grand time. xxoo

  3. Cham on August 26, 2008 7:26 pm

    The Redfish lake and uprooted tree at lake Alturas are the mind blowing pictures… Great places to visit and have fun :)

  4. Nirmala on August 26, 2008 8:27 pm

    Wonderful pics! So I missed your posts past 2 days and u guys were enjoying the trip ? Hope u had a wonderful time!

  5. arundathi on August 26, 2008 10:35 pm

    i’ve always wondered why india didn’t promote tourism in certain areas, to aid development, but i’m disappointed when i see that tourists don’t necessarily respect the environment.

    this looks gorgeous. thanks for sharing.

  6. Purnima on August 27, 2008 12:57 am

    J&B, brilliant pictures,cheering ones! Beauty of nature very well captured!

  7. aa on August 27, 2008 1:48 am

    Always wanted to go to the Sawtooth - thanks for the virtual trip :)

  8. Priya on August 27, 2008 7:41 am

    Gorgeous photos there. Looking at your series and Manisha’s photos from her trips I am desperately trying to plan a trip to that part of the US. I hope something works out soon!

  9. sunita on August 27, 2008 8:10 am

    What gorgeous pictures! Nature always soothes, doesn’t it :-)

  10. OhioMom on August 27, 2008 8:16 am

    Great pics, thanks for sharing with us :)

  11. meg wolff on August 27, 2008 2:40 pm

    Hi Jai & Bee,
    Your photography is stunning. What a magical place. One to keep going back to. :-)

  12. A&N on August 27, 2008 5:04 pm

    Thank you, Bee for visiting us. We loved the Mirchi Ka Salan :)

    And beautiful pics here. Travelling is so much fun, isn’t it!

  13. Uma on August 27, 2008 5:22 pm

    I am awestruck at the beautiful pics. Wish I could visit those places!

    Bee, I posted a recipe for Baked Puri today, in case you’re interested.

  14. starry nights on August 27, 2008 9:13 pm

    loved the pictures.thanks for sharing.

  15. Manggy on August 27, 2008 11:34 pm

    Oh my. How absolutely breathtaking!! :)

  16. Alka on August 28, 2008 2:22 am

    U say pictures..i say breathtaking views….what an amazing way to keep the memories of trip alive for a life time and then proudly pass on to next generation…Kudos for blow the life in pictures;-)

  17. Alka on August 28, 2008 2:23 am

    sorry a typo….i meant to say that kudos for blowing the life in pictures ;-)

  18. Alexa on August 28, 2008 7:28 am

    Your pictures are gorgeous and the location so ideal. These are the types of getaways that my family and I enjoy and do yearly as well. What a great way to recharge and balance our perspective. Thanks for sharing!

  19. mallugirl on August 28, 2008 7:45 am

    All that development at the waterfront happened in one year?U guys are lucky to have a nice spot nearby to go to.:)

    no, all that happened a while ago. in this year’s pics, the air is more hazy.

  20. Cynthia on August 28, 2008 10:35 am

    I find myself mesmerized looking at these. Awe-inspiring arent’s they?

  21. Ramya on August 28, 2008 12:15 pm

    Hi Jai and Bee, I got a surprise for you ppl at http://ramya65.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-first-award.html. Have a great day!!

  22. Shibani on August 31, 2008 1:28 am

    Nice for showing us around.They are so soothing and relaxing

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