About us
Welcome to Idaho Hikers and backpackers- a community for hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts who share a love for exploring the rugged beauty of Idaho.
From exploring the Sawtooths to the Owyhees, we organize day hikes, backpacking trips, snowshoeing, educational talks, and skills workshops for all experience levels.
Our mission is simple: to foster personal growth and strong friendships by sharing safe, challenging adventures and learning opportunities in hiking and backpacking. In short, where friends and nature meet.
Whether you are discovering your first alpine lake, planning a multiday trek, or climbing the highest peaks in Idaho, you'll find support, knowledge, and camaraderie here.
We believe the best way to experience Idaho is one trail at a time -- come join us and explore the wild places of Idaho.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS:
Scottie B, MD, MPH: local physician with a love for hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering. He has completed more than 50 backpacking trips with 3 years of organizer experience. He has climbed Kilimanjaro, Mt. Rainer, Cotopaxi, Pico de Orizaba, and Mt Whitney to name a few. He is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Read his full Biography
Michael K: is a Boise local. He grew up with a map of the Sawtooth mountains on his wall and has been hiking and backpacking ever since. He has been on countless backpacking trips and day hikes and loves to share outdoor experiences with others. Michael can always come up with a trail recommendation for any kind of hike you want to do in the mountains of Southern Idaho. Michael is certified in wilderness first aid through NOLs
John S: retired fire fighter with many years of hiking and backpacking experience. He has an interest in helping those with less experience to become confident backpackers.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
*Follow us on YouTube to experience past events:
https://www.youtube.com/@Idaho_hikers_and_backpackers
**What are the rules for our club?
* All members should be familiar with the seven leave no trace principles https://youtu.be/81hhaTr62fk?feature=shared *Be honest about your abilities.
* Be friendly and contribute to the group
* RSVP if you have a good chance of actually coming and don’t be late.
* No alcohol/drugs
* No weapons or firearms.
* Dogs allowed if on a leash and per park rules.
* No discrimination based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
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Upcoming events
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Star Spangle-d Sawtooth Backpack (Level 3)
TBD, Boise, ID, USOverview
Join us for a two-night backpacking trip in the headwaters of the Boise River outside of Atlanta, Idaho. This trip replaces our previous trip scheduled for the 4th of July weekend, which was cancelled due to high water crossings. We will hike 12-14 miles on day 1, setting up camp at the upper end of the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Day 2 is planned to be day hiking in some of the most remote parts of the Sawtooth range. We will have several options that we will determine as a group. (Note that fireworks are not permitted on this trip even though we will be out on the 4th of July.)How Hard will this Be?
This will be a moderately challenging trip (rated Level 3) due to the 12 mile hike to base camp. Day 2 activities can vary based on what the group wants to do, but I am expecting we will want to cover considerable distance if snow levels allow.What is a level 3 backpacking trip?
Physical ability standard (excellent)
- You exercise 3-4 times per week for over an hour. Or a minimum total of 6 hours per week on average.
- You occasionally put in a full 6-8 hour days of physical activity. Hiking up to 11 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a lightweight pack is fine for you.
- Hiking up to 9 miles a day with 1500 ft of elevation gain with a 35-45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) on a multi day backpacking trip is fine for you.
•*NB: We don’t recommend a pack over 30 lbs (some exceptions)*
Experience level (competent):
- You have a good knowledge of your gear. You may still be testing your equipment out. You are not “dialed in.”
- Your base-weight is average or below average. You feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. You can hike in the dark with a headlamp comfortably.
- You are fine with some elevation gain.
- You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels or possibly co-organize a level 4 trip.
Trail description: The trail may be faint in some places or off trail. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2-2+). The trail is typically 10-20 miles round trip or up to 10 miles per day. Examples: Goat Lake (Pioneer Mountains), Alice-Toxaway loop
Pace Average/Moderate: 1.5 to 2.5 mph. The most common range, allowing for steady progress while still accounting for varied terrain and normal rest stops (1.5-2 hrs).
There will be a MANDATORY ONLINE PRE-TRIP MEETING.
Attendance at the pre-trip meeting is required to participate in this trip. Add your name to the waitlist and the organizer will move you to the event list. Maximum attendance will be 8 for this trip.What is this Trail?
This exact route is not covered on Alltrails, but here are a couple links to get a feel for where we will be. A Caltopo route will be shared with everyone who signs up for the hike.Atlanta to Spangle: https://sbbchidaho.org/PDF/Atlanta-Powerstation-TH..pdf or https://idahoconservation.org/blog/enduring-the-idaho-wilderness-trail-from-atlanta-to-stanley-in-less-than-two-days
Day 1: We will start at the trailhead just outside of Atlanta (Idaho) and hike up the Middle Fork of the Boise River, roughly 12.5 miles and 2600 ft of elevation gain. We will have river crossings on the way up, but the Boise is not known to be as narrow and deep as the Queens River (the reason we cancelled the other trip). If the group is up for it and snow conditions cooperate, we will push 2 more miles to camp at Spangle Lake. At night, it will be Star-Spangle Lake ;)
Day 2: We will day hike in the upper elevations of the Sawtooths. The current plan is to hike over the pass to Ardeth Lake and go from there. The most aggressive option would be the 16-mile round trip to Cramer Divide, but such beautiful country we don't need to go that far. But Cramer Divide is pretty cool, so we'll see.
Day 3: The trip back to Atlanta will be almost 15 miles, losing 3100 feet from Spangle Lake, following the Middle Fork of the Boise River the way we came in. I am sure everyone will make good time on this stretch of the hike, eager to head back to town and get a shower and a good meal.
Getting to the Trail: We will meet 6:00 a.m. to carpool at a location we will determine in our trip planning meeting. Current plan is that the Boise hikers and the Eastern Idaho hikers will meet up where the road to Pine & Featherville intersect Hwy 20. We will drive to Atlanta via this road. Details will be finalized in our pre-trip meeting and could change based on attendees.
## 🎒 What to Bring
Please consult the Idaho Hikers and Backpackers Gear Checklist to be sure you are bringing all that you need.
Additional Items:- No fireworks
- Bear canister / Ursack / food hang kit
- Bear spray optional. Use your own judgment, but there are definitely bears in the area.
- Mosquito protection. They will be out this time of year.
- We will watch reports out of the Sawtooths closely to predict if we will be traveling in snow and may recommend gear for snow travel.
- Ten Essentials (required)
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## 📋 Policies & Expectations
- ❌ No fireworks
- ❌ No alcohol or drugs
- ❌ No weapons or firearms
- 🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
- You may turn around at any time
- Notify the organizer if you cancel
- No-shows may impact eligibility for future trips
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## ⚠️ Safety Notes
- You are responsible for your own safety
- Be honest about your ability level
- If unable to continue, you may need to shelter in place while assistance is arranged
- We will support participants and prioritize safety at all times
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## 🩺 Health & Media
- If you are sick, please stay home
- If you are managing any specific health conditions (diabetes, asthma, etc.) please notify another hiker or your trip leader in case assistance is required.
- By attending, you consent to photo/video use for group promotion (Meetup, YouTube, social media)
I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.5 attendees
Past events
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