Pioneer Mountains - Backpack to Idaho's Highest Lake (Intermediate level)

The Pioneer mountains are really an extension of the Sawtooth Mountains. I visited this area 2 years ago on a solo backpacking trip and fell in love. The Pioneer Mountains are more remote and less busy than the Sawtooths. The trail follows the Third Fork Creek through alpine forests, meadows, and past towering peaks. Fall will beginning and I hope to see the first inklings of fall leave changes. We see multiple lakes (lower lake, upper lake, Baptie, Betty) with the goal of reaching Goat Lake at over 10,000 feet. This has all the recipes for THE trip of the year.

Learn more:
https://youtu.be/Ry4R2BO-F5Y?feature=shared
http://idahoalpinezone.com/index.php?p=2_42

Mileage and elevations (approximate based on my Caltopo route below).
- 16 miles round trip with 3225 feet elevation gain. Don't get confused there are two Goat Lakes in Idaho- one in the Sawtooths (8220 feet) and one in the Pioneer Mountains - this trail takes us to the Goat Lake at 10443 feet.
Route: We follow the Right Fork of Fall Creek up the Surprise Valley passing a lake simply named "Lake 10,148" then, Sandhope Peak , Betty and then Goat Lake: https://caltopo.com/m/J72PC1E/5PHF8D59VA1V0L2F

Difficulty: Intermediate, but one the harder side to to elevation gain. Be prepared to sleep at high altitude. No scrambling involved. Possibly some off trail hiking.

Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:

"Intermittent level backpack: Group members will have a good knowledge of their gear. They may still be testing their equipment out. They are not “dialed in.” Base-weights are average or below average. They feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. They are fine with some elevation gain. The trail may be faint in some places. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2). Backpackers are comfortable with a 10-20 mile trip."

DIRECTIONS:
It is complicated to make it to the trailhead. Google maps is misleading. Please meet me at 9:30 at the junction of highway 93 and Trail Creek road. I will be waiting in my silver prius. If you are coming the day before or some reason arrive late, follow these directions with pictures. Suggest everyone print out as you could get lost going home.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13zgILikaSoa3yg_JGQs8MegI4NB43b7BE1CV72AWfKg/edit?usp=sharing
Itinerary:

1. Saturday:
   -Meet at the trailhead. We will hike most of the day with breaks about every 90 minutes. I would like to aim for Goat Lake but if we lack energy or time we will camp at Betty Lake then hike the next day to Goat Lake.
   -Bring lunch, and dinner
2. Sunday: Wake up 7-8 am. Hike out. bring breakfast and lunch. Mostly down hill so hopefully we will be down quickly.

NOTE:
- It is possible to arrive the day before and camp near the trailhead; there is dispersed camping and a pit toilet. However, we will start the next day at the time posted above. We are starting later to allow time for everyone to drive from Boise. I might come the night before TBA.
FEES/Permits: NONE
Trail conditions: TBA. Trails were well marked and in good condition 2 years ago when I went.
What to bring:
YOU MUST have either a bag resistant bag (e.g., ursack) or bear canister
It will be getting into fall and we will be at high altitude. I would error on bringing warm layers and a sleeping bag appropriately rated.

Please review the beginner's backpacking guide for the basic gear list:
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharingBear resistant container](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharing)

Additional items required for this trip:

• Bear spray
• Trowel or wag bag
• Policies:
  * Please do not bring any alcohol or drugs*
• No fires
  * Leave no trace - so bury or carry out your poop*
  * If you are unable to complete, you may drop out at any time. However, you are responsible for your own transportation/way back.
  * Be honest about your abilities
  I am not a guide but a facilitator. Please come prepared to contribute to the objective. I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. By signing up, you agree to be responsible for your own safety. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 7 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members in order to promote the the group.

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.