Summary

In 2020, after a six-year hiatus due to life changes, the author and his family revived their annual "man's trip" tradition with a memorable journey to the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, marked by challenging hikes, hot springs, and meaningful family bonding.

Abstract

The author recounts a transformative trip to the Sawtooth Mountains with his father and brothers, a tradition that began in 2014 but was interrupted by various life events. Despite the challenges of planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, they managed to reunite for an adventure filled with hiking, hot springs, and quality time together. The trip included a visit to Kirkham Hot Springs, a strenuous hike to Goat Lake, and a climb to Alice Lake, each experience offering a mix of physical exertion and opportunities for deeper connection. The author reflects on the beauty of the Idaho wilderness, the resilience of the local people, and the importance of family bonding, concluding that the trip was a much-needed respite and a testament to their enduring family ties.

Opinions

The author values the annual "man's trip" as a crucial opportunity for the men in his family to bond and reconnect away from daily distractions.
The remoteness and lack of modern conveniences in the Sawtooth Mountains are seen as positive aspects that contribute to the trip's success in fostering genuine interactions.
The author expresses admiration for the natural beauty of Idaho, particularly noting the clear waters of Goat Lake and the impressive sight of Alice Lake.
The hot springs experiences, though surprisingly hot, are appreciated for their uniqueness and the sense of adventure they add to the trip.
The author holds the local residents of Stanley in high regard, noting their toughness and community spirit, which left a lasting impression on the family.
The trip is considered a physical and mental challenge that ultimately leads to personal growth and a renewed sense of gratitude for family and nature.

A “Man’s Trip” to the Sawtooth Mountains

Back in 2014, my brothers, father, and I took a “man’s trip” to the Porcupine Mountains in Northern Michigan. We hiked a crazy amount of miles, took a frigid swim in Lake Superior, and set up camp in a log cabin near the shore. It was remote, almost creepy, but the perfect locale to just “be.” With no phones, no people, and no distractions, we were forced to just talk and get to know the “adult” versions of people that you thought you knew but really didn’t. We left that trip in that weird state of physical exhaustion, but mental refreshment. Most importantly, we left with a respect for each other…we made it through, and we did it together.

On the ride home, we all threw out ideas for next year’s trip. This would become a yearly staple; it had to be. What we didn’t anticipate was the weddings, cross-country moves, kids, new jobs, and every other change possible that, while intentions were good, would stall any future trip planning.

Six months ago, covid hit, and 2020 would mark the 6th straight year of no man’s trip. Maybe we could swing something in 2021?

In early August after a bbq at my brother Bryan’s house, I was driving home and thought, “maybe this could be the year after all? Maybe this should be the year.”

After much debate and concerns over air travel, we booked flights to Idaho and started planning our trip to the Sawtooth Mountains.

We arrived last Thursday in Stanley, Idaho, with high hopes but wet clothes because we decided to stop at Kirkham Hot Springs on the way:

Kirkham was awesome. The water felt like a bath tub but lacked the “eggy, sulfur smell” that most springs emit.

We got up early the next morning and headed to the Iron Creek Trailhead to begin what we felt would be a moderate, steady climb to Goat Lake. Before we started, we ran into a herd of elk crossing the road. It was a subtle reminder that we weren’t in Minneapolis anymore.

The hike was long but somewhat steady until we hit a rock scree that would prove quite challenging. Summiting any peak without ropes is tough; you have to get up somehow. However, the gravel-like footing made each step a careful one.

When we finally got to the top, we were met with a sight to behold:

The water was so clear that we watched a rainbow trout swim near the shore line.

After 8 hours on the trail, we finally made it back and had some pizza from Papa Brunee’s. We finished our day at Sunbeam Hot Springs, a local spot on the Salmon river. Worth noting: an older couple, probably in their 70’s, got out of one of the pools right as we were walking over. While it was awfully nice of them to give up their spot, we stepped into pool of water so hot that we all looked each other in a somewhat confused unison. That’s Idaho toughness.

The next morning, we tackled the popular trail up to Alice Lake. It was a much more gradual climb than the previous day, with sections in deep forest, meadows, boulder fields, and creek crossings.

My dad getting down and dirty crossing a creek

While it was already cold to begin with, it would get colder as we climbed higher. Near the top, it started to snow and an eerie fog covered the peaks:

After close to 4 hours, we made it to the top to view the almighty, Alice Lake, which is one of several alpine lakes on a loop route that many people turn into a 2–3 night trip.

We had an awesome dinner at Sawtooth Luce’s, where we learned that while Google says 500 people live in the town of Stanley, there are actually 64 that live there year round (and our waitress probably knew them all.)

Going to place like Stanley, ID, reminded me of what gratitude looks like. We passed several backpackers that had spent an overnight in non-stop rain. When asked, “how was it up there,” every single one smiled and just said “awesome.”

Similar to our trip six years ago in the Porcupine Mountains, going to the Sawtooths was a trip I’ll never forget. We were challenged physically, and 17 hours on a trail forces you to chat a bit:)

Last, but not least, I have to recognize the people of Stanley. On our first night in town, the owner of the Kasino Club gave us some great tips, and we would actually see him the next day on the trail to Goat Lake. Later, a grocery store clerk summed it up best when he said, “I came here for the beauty, but I stayed for the people.”

I’m thankful I was able to spend such awesome time with people I care about. Hopefully, we won’t wait another six years for our next one.