The Bear Necessities Brown, cinnamon, blonde, or even black, the American black bear, or the Ursus americanus, is very common in the Sawtooth Mountains. Black bears can be seen throughout the summer scavenging for food and looking for tasty treats. However, in the winter, black bears are not seen as often. They will go into […]
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Fireweeds Journey: Story of a Fireweed through a Burned Area
Fireweeds Journey: Story of a Fireweed through a Burned Area Recent fires from a lightning strike had spread through the area. Now, fire-darkened tree skeletons reach leafless arms to the sky. Wind creaks through the spindly branches leaving an eerie feeling in the forest. Dark and dreary, the barren landscape appears lonely and sad, but […]
Wintry Wonders of the Wolverine
Wintry Wonders of the Wolverine Wolverines are secretive creatures that are seldom seen. A glimpse of one disappearing over a ridge or behind a boulder is a once in a lifetime sight. Not only are they secretive and seldom seen, but they are still few and far between. Wolverines inhabit vast ranges creating many challenges […]
October’s Creature of the Night
That time of the year has come once again – where the moon hangs quiet in the sky and shadows play tricks in her light. In the Sawtooth Valley you will hear the twilight winds blow through aspens, clutching on to the last of their leaves, telling you to wait and listen closely. Perhaps you […]
Early Summer Fun!
Summer is arriving in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area! Days are getting warmer and the lakes are beginning to look inviting for swimming. It’s easy to forget that snow can still be found at higher elevations, and that trails may not be clear for hiking. Adventure abounds regardless, and there are plenty of opportunities for early-season […]
Sunday Surprises
On a dreary Sunday morning, I struggled to get out of my bed as it was lightly drizzling outside. I was picked up around 10 o’clock to start my journey up Redfish Lake Trail. My friend and I walked through the enchanted forest smelling the shuttle scent of the Balsam furs and moist soil. Out […]
Fire Ecology: How Does Fire Benefit Our Forest?
While growing up in Western New York there was no such thing as “fire season” and wildfires were far from anyone’s minds. After moving to the west I quickly learned that fire season is a very real thing and wildfires will always be a part of life here. While living here in Idaho it’s been […]
A National Park Discussion
It has been quite the experience living in Stanley, Idaho this summer. Stanley’s Sawtooth National Park is a beautiful and hidden gem inside the Gem State! The park has three separate entrances. One from Highway 21 and the two other entrances are on Highway 75. When visitors arrive to the park, they are treated with spectacular […]
Climbing in the Sawtooth Range: A Historical Perspective
The wild, glaciated, granite wonderland of the Sawtooth batholith soars above Stanley. Waking up each morning and going to bed each night under a sky soaked in oranges, pinks, and purples, the mountains have become my constant companions and my favorite playground. I’ve delighted in the bone chilling bliss of alpine lakes and the instantly […]
Solitude In The Sawtooth’s
Its 4:45 pm and I find myself half walking, half running through the crowds of people at Redfish Lodge in an effort to catch the 5 o’clock shuttle across the lake. I make it just in time to hop on the boat with a few other hikers. We exchange a few words about our plans […]