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Big Boulder Lakes
The Big Boulder Lake are located within central Idaho’s White Clouds Mountains. In state full of abundant natural beauty, these lakes rank near the top most beautiful places you’ll find. Bubbling streams, wildflower filled meadows, pristine alpine lakes, and beautiful mountain scenery. The combination is hard to beat. Primary access is via Livingston Mill to the east. A well maintained trail leads to Walker Lake, with some off trail bushwhacking required to reach the upper lakes.
My good friend Carter has been taking his scout troop on yearly backpacking trips for as long as I’ve known him. What started as a conversation about where he may go this year, ended in plans for my son and I to join in on a trip to the Big Boulder Lakes for a ‘high adventure’ full of unforgettable memories.
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Day 1: Livingston Mill Trailhead to Walker Lake. We made camp the night before up the road at the Little Boulder Recreation Site. The next morning, we made the short drive to the trailhead, and were chomping at the bit to get hiking.
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The group spread out at different speeds along the trail, staying in radio contact along the way, and enjoying the great scenery.
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The high peaks started coming into view. Definitely a workout in our big packs, and we were thankful the trail wasn't any steeper.
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We made a few rest stops along the way. This one was next to a cascade of Big Boulder Creek. Very nice.
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The group did a great job covering the 7 miles and 2400' elevation gain to Walker Lake. We arrived by mid afternoon, our hard work rewarded with this fantastic view.
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We chose a nice campsite at the northeast corner of Walker Lake. Time to relax and enjoy the views.
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Day 2: Upper Lakes & David O Lee Peak. The next morning we awoke to a beautiful reflection on the lake. Are those clouds in the distance, or peaks???
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After walking along the north shore of the lake, it was time for some bushwhacking en route to the upper lakes. Here's the group making their way up.
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Then it was time for some climbing. If it looks a little steep, it is.
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But after some effort, we were rewarded with this amazing view of David O Lee Peak from Hook Lake. Wow!
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Time for some exploring!
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Here we are at Cove Lake.
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A group of us decided go climb a peak. We passed Sapphire Lake along the way.
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Getting closer to the peak, we made our way around Cirque Lake. Above treeline now.
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Some talus to climb above Cirque Lake.
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Approaching the saddle north of David O Lee Peak.
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David O Lee Peak was our objective. Definitely some trepidation once at the saddle, but we decided to take it one step at a time. And be willing to stop if we felt too uncomfortable with the climbing.
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The boys did a great job taking it one step at a time, gaining confidence as we climbed.
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And then after one final steep scramble section, we arrived at the summit. What a great group. I was inspired by the attitudes and perseverance of these first time mountain climbers.
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Now it was time for the hardest part, down climbing the scramble section.
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Again the group did great. They took their time, and we made it back to the saddle without issue.
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Here's a view looking down on the Big Boulder Lakes. Walker Lake seemed a long way away!
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Scampering back down off the mountain.
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Beautiful scene above Sapphire Lake on the way down. Time to head back to camp and get some dinner!
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Day 3: Walker Lake to Livingston Mill Trailhead. The next morning we broke camp, and it was time to hit the trail. It was nice to be heading downhill!
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Soon enough, we were back to Livingston Mill. What a great trip!
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Map of our route. A total of 22 miles and 4800' elevation gain round trip, including David O Lee Peak.
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