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Moose Lake & Angel Lake
Although underappreciated, the Pioneer Mountains are one of Idaho’s premier mountain ranges. The Pioneers are home to rugged and tall peaks, wildflower filled meadows, and even a few high alpine lakes. Two of these lakes are Moose Lake and Angel Lake, which make for a great backpacking destination. Throw in a couple nearby peaks to climb, and this area is hard to beat.
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After a four hour drive from Boise, it was time to hit the trail from Fall Creek Trailhead. An annual backpacking trip with friends from church is becoming a fun tradition.
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Two miles or so from the trail head, we turned south and headed up the Right Fork Fall Creek.
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The final two miles of trail leading up to Moose Lake felt steep with our big packs.
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But upon arriving at highly scenic Moose Lake, the effort was clearly worth it.
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We scored a great campsite on the south side of the lake, complete with an excellent lounging rock.
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After setting up camp, I decided to climb a peak. (Big surprise…) Moose Perch is the highpoint on the right.
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A big of scree to deal with on the way up Moose Perch.
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Summit of Moose Perch. A little smoky, but not too bad.
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The summit of Moose Perch was a great vantage point to check out Angels Perch, and Moose Lake in the trees below.
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After two hours round trip for Moose Perch, I made it back to camp where some trout fishing was in progress.
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The next morning a couple deer visited out camp. Notice Luke still in his tent.
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Our plan for day two started with a day hike to Angel Lake, which I was really looking forward to. Here we are leaving Moose Lake.
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Passing by Upper Moose Lake on the way to Angel Lake.
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We aimed for the trees above Upper Moose Lake.
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Above the trees, we headed toward the boulder field.
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Once above the boulder field, we headed for the green saddle above, which would lead us to Angel Lake.
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Angel Lake is gorgeous, and about a 500' drop from the saddle.
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Walking around the north shore of Angel Lake.
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Group shot at Angel Lake.
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View from the east shore fo Angel Lake.
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A few of us decided to climb Angels Perch, an 11,000+ foot peak that was too close to resist.
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Angel Lake is deep!
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Nearing the false summit of Angels Perch.
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From the false summit, we had to drop down the ridge, before climbing Angels Perch.
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Signing the summit register on Angels Perch.
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Angel and register box on the summit.
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Descending from the ridge was steep, and no cakewalk.
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It was good to be off the steep part, but we still had some boulder hopping to deal with on the way down.
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Looking back on Angels Perch.
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Descending to Upper Moose Lake. We were all ready to get back to camp for rest, dinner, and a good night of sleep.
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The next morning, Angels Perch reflecting in Moose Lake. Amazing.
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Packed up and ready to hit the trail.
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Making our way down the trail toward Fall Creek.
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Almost back to the trailhead, with thoughts of KB's burritos on our minds.
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Map of our route. A grand total of 20 miles and 6700' elevation gain round trip, including side trips for peaks. What a great trip!
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