Porcupine Mountains Loop Hike Adventure

EXPEDITION ITINERARY: SAWTOOTH LAKES LOOP

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: loop hike

TRIP DURATION: 4 days

TOTAL ESTIMATED MILEAGE: ~42 miles

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: moderate

TERRAIN TYPE: alpine lakes open

- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~6000 ft

- Start and end trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead, Idaho

- GPS coordinates: 44.0835, -114.9351 to 44.0835, -114.9351

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PERMITS & ENTRY

- Requirement: Self-issued permit at trailhead kiosk — free, complete before departure.

- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: Sawtooth National Forest

- How to apply: In-person at trailhead

- Application window & deadline: None

- Processing time & approval odds: Immediate

- Cost & payment: None

- Required documents/ID: None

- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Verify with Sawtooth National Forest backcountry/permits page or office.

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SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION

- Nearest major access point: BOI, Boise Airport

- Pre-hike basecamp: Stanley, ID (lodging options)

- Trail access type: loop

- Parking: Available at Iron Creek Trailhead, no fees, allow overnight parking

- Shuttle/local transport: Local taxi service or ride-sharing options; generally not needed for loop

- Recommended direction: Counterclockwise

- Post-hike basecamp: Stanley, ID (lodging options)

- Backup transport: Taxi or rideshare from Stanley

- Fuel & restricted items: Canister fuel available in Stanley; check airline restrictions for fuel transport.

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DAY 1: IRON CREEK TRAILHEAD TO SAWTOOTH LAKE

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 7 miles, +1800 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Iron Creek Trail → Alpine Way Trail

- Terrain description: Gradual ascent through forested areas

- Notable features or side quests: Alpine views, possible side trip to Alpine Lake

- Key water sources: Streams along the trail

- Campsite location: Sawtooth Lake area

- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear country—use bear canisters

- Trail tip: Start early to secure a campsite by the lake

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DAY 2: SAWTOOTH LAKE TO TWIN LAKES

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +1500 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Alpine Way Trail → Trail to McGown Lake

- Terrain description: Hilly terrain with open alpine areas

- Notable features or side quests: Views of Elk Peak

- Key water sources: Access to lakes for water

- Campsite location: Twin Lakes

- Wildlife or safety notes: Moose sightings possible

- Trail tip: Visit McGown Lake for additional views

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DAY 3: TWIN LAKES TO ELIAS LAKE

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 13 miles, +1300 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Twin Lakes Trail → Redfish Lake Trail

- Terrain description: Mixed forest and open meadows

- Notable features or side quests: Scenic vistas and wildflowers

- Key water sources: Streams and lakes along the trail

- Campsite location: Elias Lake

- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch footing near streams

- Trail tip: Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures

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DAY 4: ELIAS LAKE TO IRON CREEK TRAILHEAD

- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 12 miles, -1600 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: Redfish Lake Trail → Iron Creek Trail

- Terrain description: Gradual descent through forest

- Notable features or side quests: Final views of alpine landscapes

- Key water sources: Access to multiple streams

- Campsite location: Not applicable

- Wildlife or safety notes: Maintain awareness of bear activity

- Trail tip: Plan to finish by late afternoon

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CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: Sawtooth Lake (~8400 ft), Twin Lakes (~8600 ft), Elias Lake (~8800 ft)

- Fire restrictions: Check local regulations, typically campfires are restricted

- Bear safety and food storage: Use bear canisters; hang food if possible

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Sawtooth Lake, Twin Lakes

- Noise level or solitude factor: Typically quiet, depending on season

- Nearest water source: Lakes or streams near campsites

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 40-75°F

- Sun exposure: Moderate; use sun protection at higher elevations

- Acclimatization tips: Arrive a day early at basecamp to adjust

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

- Navigation tools (map, compass)

- Water filtration system

- Sunscreen and sunglasses

- First aid kit

- Fire starter and matches

- Pocket knife

- Headlamp with extra batteries

- Shelter system (tent, tarp)

- Insulating layers

- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips: Include lightweight trekking poles for stability over varied terrain

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Alpine Lake, McGown Lake

- Photo-worthy moments: Evening at Sawtooth Lake

- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Local dining in Stanley

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise and start, camp by dusk

- Estimated calories burned per day: ~2800 calories

- Water needed per person: ~3 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 25-35 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, 10-14.

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