HIKING THE STEVENS PEAK LOOP IN NORTH IDAHO | LOWER AND UPPER STEVENS LAKES | BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Outstanding scenery

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thank you Dave! This hike made for a fantastic late season one with all of the changing Fall colors. I appreciate your support, cheers!

[@HikingwithGus]

Finally was able to watch some videos, been so flipping busy I have not had time to watch any let alone create some myself. Love the drone shots! Beautiful area! Little sketchy knife edge there.... I am healed and Gus is healing up, stitches come out in a week and then we are back on trail! Hey, I'd be down for some snowshoeing over there if you're down! TXT me.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

I hear you on the busy part! So much to do before winter hits, and we have some snow in the forecast! Glad to hear everything is looking up for you guys. Definitely down for some snowshoeing!

[@wolfeadventures]

Great video. Really well done.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks so much! This was a pretty fun loop.

[@mmoutdoors1]

So beautiful man! I got to do more in Idaho 🤙

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks man! We have some pretty epic spots here that you'll have to come check out sometime. Definitely appreciate the support, and for you checking out the video!

[@MongoWongo777]

Oh man! I was so excited to see a new video in my feed. I was concerned that the hiking season may have ended! This video felt like an "old school" Danny S. video with drone footage, music, and of course Tess! No kidding about being an uphill climb the entire way!!! Loved the change in scenery as you both continued to ascend!!! OMG, the Fall colors were beautiful!!! What a gorgeous day to be outdoors!!! I was pretty amazed at how nice and wide the trail paths were. There was one area early on, that reminded me of a driveway. I watched this with my mom, and she was concerned that Tess was too close to the edge and could fall 😊. That old truck looked pretty cool. Was that an abandoned logging vehicle? It seems odd that someone would leave it there. Was that left there on purpose, for the same reasons they might sink a ship in the ocean, to provide a habitat for wildlife? There is one scene where you can see trees with yellow “leaves” (not sure what those are called), deep red bushes (again, not sure what those are), and beautiful blue skies, as the sun shines down from the left of the path. The path was... breathtaking! I need to take a drink! As you got closer to the top you started to see the snow. It looked like there were fresh tire tracks on the sides of the road. Do vehicles still travel up that path? If so, for what purpose, any idea? Are they forest service vehicles, or can you take your SXS up there? Nothing but breathtaking views as you reached the top. LOVE the drone work!!! 360-degree breathtaking views!!! Just amazing!!! Speechless!!! I almost fell over when I saw your chest rig. If I am not mistaken you were wearing a Gunfighter Inc. holster with a 1911 in it??? Whoa!!! How cool!!! It looked like a single stack, with a grip safety, and it appeared to have a thumb safety, but it was hard to tell from the video, but it looked like a 1911 to me. Was I close? Love the wooden grips with the dove tail at the bottom!!! I am a HUGE HUGE fan of both. I have 3 or 4 of the Gunfighter Inc. rigs, made in the great state of Idaho might I add 😊. I have one for my Glock 40 in 10 mm. That is going to be my dedicated hiking firearm. I have other GFs that will fit my 19 and a Ruger Super Redhawk wheel gun. 😊 That panoramic shot you took, overlooking that valley with the sea of green pines speckled with yellow pines… you guessed it. Gulp! 😊 The views from Steven’s Peak were … breathtaking!!! The shot where you can see Lone Lake on one side and the Steven’s Lakes on the other side looked so amazing!!! I may need to invest in a thesaurus because I am running out of vocabulary when I watch your vids. I am stunned at the amount of mountain lakes in that area. It is like you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting one! NEVER get tired of that incredible drone footage with the music overlay!!! It is insane!!! They should hire you as their digital marketing person!!! At this point, I am pretty sure I have used up my daily allotment of exclamation points. 😊 When I run out of superlatives, my fallback is punctuation. You totally cracked us up. Earlier in the video you alluded to the different path options you two had, and depending on the difficulty, you would decide on the best option. There was ZERO doubt in our minds that you guys were going to descend to the Steven’s Lakes from the peak. Most people would have taken an alternative path once they saw the steep decline and all those rocks, but after watching you and your buds tackle, and own, might I add, the “short cut” from your previous series we knew this was a piece of cake compared to those. GREAT job Tess, on snow none the less!!! “Are you okay… I really don’t have an option”… hehehehehehehe. That was hysterical!!! You need to put that on a tee shirt!!! If it were me, I would still be falling down the side of that mountain. 😊 You could hear me yelling, I should have taken the other way! Upper Steven’s Lake was very beautiful. I could have spent a day there. We did think Lower Steven’s Lake was a bit cooler with all that timber. I saw you fill the water bladder, but did you filter it? Is that what you meant by custom filtered? Wow, it is amazing if you could drink that straight out of the lake. The autumn colors are worth the trip alone. My God, how beautiful! Love the food and bear after hike summary!!! However, it appeared Tess was not a fan of the ale. 😊 The post hike synopsis is THE best way to end your hikes!!! Hopefully you can sneak another trip in there, but if not, you have FOR SURE had one heck of a year!!! We will be binge watching your previous videos. Been a little busy, so we have not started yet, but your Olympia, Washington trip is first on the list. You guys be safe and stay well!!!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey man! I was excited to get another vid up for the week! It was definitely a little old school filming. This place has a nostalgic vibe when I get to visit it since I've been here so many times in the past. It was such a beautiful day out! Yeah the path was pretty wide as a lot of it is a narrow road suitable for ATV's/off-road vehicles to use. Most people typically hike the peak using the route that we descended, but I wanted to make it a loop so we opted to use that old logging road/offroad vehicle road for the first part. It was way steeper than I remembered! Yeah as far as that abandoned truck, my best guess is that it was an old logging vehicle.. it's been there for quite awhile. Tessa was a little freaked out by it so we didn't spend a whole lot of time there lol. Yes! That pano shot of the golden larches mixed in with the green trees was probably my favorite shot of the trip. It was fun being able to use the drone again as it had been awhile! The golden "pine" trees are called western larches AKA tamaracks, and the ones with leaves are typically birch trees and maybe some quaking aspen mixed in there. So cool! Aha the chest rig! You were close! It is a NW Retention Scout and it's sweet. The chest "shell" can be removed and you can order multiple different shells for different sidearms you have, and use the same strap if that makes sense. The sidearm I had that day was my S&W 1911 Model E 4.25" Barrel .45 ACP with Buffalo Bore rounds. And yes, single stack! It's not my preferred sidearm to carry backpacking as it's pretty heavy, but it's better than nothing. Definitely would like a 10mm someday that holds more than 7 +1. Yeah! That view of all the lakes is awesome! That was the biggest reason I wanted to bring the drone as snapping a picture from the peak and trying to get all of it in one shot is nearly impossible. Haha I would love a side gig as a digital marketing person! That's okay if you're running out of adjectives for the shots! Aha yes I reaaaaally wanted to descend the peak like we did and not circle back.. I ultimately left it to Tessa to decide if she was comfortable doing it and she rocked it! I have been itching to hit another peak since D.O. Lee in the White Clouds and I'm happy to say that I'm now satisfied for a couple more weeks. Haha yeah once we started going down she couldn't really turn back and didn't really "have an option." We were committed and I was super proud of her. I'll put that on some tees if I ever decide to do that! I really like to make loops anymore because they look so cool on that Relive Map I put in at the end! Yeah both of the Stevens Lakes are beautiful, but I agree that the lower lake is nicer. And yep, that's what I meant by custom filtered! I ended up using a Sawyer Mini to filter our water out of that. I'll typically never drink unfiltered water unless I'm really high up and pretty certain that no animals have soiled it from up above. Beer for some reason always tastes so refreshing after a hike! Every drink I took was making up for when I said "breathtaking" in my head during the hike :) She's not the biggest fan of beer that's for sure.. though she'll always try it anyways. That reaction has become pretty typical! Lol Definitely hoping to get another something in this year, but we'll see if time and weather allows for it. This is the most hiking and miles I've ever done, and it's been a pretty epic year to say the least. Looking forward to hearing how you like the other vids! You'll definitely have to check out the Stevens area for yourself when you move up here. As always I really appreciate your support! Stay safe and be well, as well! Happy Trails, Danny

[@MongoWongo777]

@@DannyJSchaefer OMG, we can't wait to get out there for sure!!! The fact that SxS and ATVs are permitted on that trail will make it much easier for my mom to visit, provided I buy a SxS or ATV. 😊 I am looking at a Polaris RZR, but also considering the CanAm X3. It is on my "things to buy" list when I get out there. 😊 I realize this is a crazy question, but I have a 2020 Explorer with all the bells and whistles, do you think that could make the trip? Hehehehe, yeah something about an abandoned vehicle in the middle of nowhere can increase the creep factor. Especially around Halloween!!! Agreed, killer shot for sure!!! Thanks for the tree names, really appreciate it. Man, those are really beautiful!!! Ahhh, I thought for sure that was a Gunfighter Inc. rig!!! I have a custom Kenai. I can replace the holsters on mine too, but I am going to check the NW Retention Systems site, as the GunfighersINC can be a bit spendy. I am a huge fan of 1911s, but agree they are not the most practical in some use cases. I have two S&W 1911s in my collection, the SW1911TA "E-Series" in stainless, and my safe queen 😊, a Performance Center 1911 Custom. It's stainless as well with cool looking cobalt blue Micarta grips, although I could be wrong on the grip material. Outstanding choice on the ammo, in IMO. I don't believe I have any Buffalo Bore, but I have been told that is great ammo for large 4-legged predators. I have a small amount of Underwood Ammo, but that is more for the 2-legged threats. 😊 I need to pick up some Buffalo Bore for sure! My G 40 is a G 20 with a longer barrel. It has 15+1 capacity, so it is NOT light, but I have options. My Gunfighter Inc. rig gives you the ability to bring extra mags, in the event a zombie apocalypse breaks out during my hike 😊. Love your drone footage!!! Agreed, tough to capture that killer view without a drone. Are you using a DJI drone by any chance? I am not sure if this would interest you, but if you are interested in getting a side gig with your drone, you may want to register with a drone service provider like Drone Base, DroneUP, etc. You have a real talent for photography and videography. Your reveals are super cool. They are so good, we thought you might have had some formal training. Your editing skills are also top notch!!! I have my eye on a couple of DJI units. I like the mini-series and the Mavic, but my grail drone would be the Mavic 2 Enterprise with thermal. I have FLIR capability on some of my other toys and I think it is crazy cool. Not sure how practical it would be to have, but practicality does not always fit into my hobby equation. 😊 Yeah, hehehehehe, it is clear you were bitten by the "descent bug". Agreed, Tess totally crushed it!!! Agreed, loops are awesome!!! Got it re: the water filtration. I would be nervous to drink unfiltered water. I have a Berkey water bottle. It contains a filter. It is bulkier and more weight than a Sawyer mini, but it has capacity and some convenience. That being said, tough to beat a Sawyer and a water bladder for portability. Hehehehehe, I can imagine the beer tastes better after you earn it!!! Cold and refreshing for sure!!! Totally hysterical re: "Breath Taking". There were so many of those moments on that trip, as others, I might not have been able to drive home if I had to take a drink for each time. 😊 Tess is a good sport for sure!!! As always, we look forward to your next vids. We appreciate them because of all the time and expense it takes to make one. We really appreciate your efforts!!! You crushed it this year for sure!!! Hopefully you can sneak another one in this year, but if you cannot, there is always next year. Oh, we cannot wait to get out there!!! The Steven's area will definitely be on the short list of places to visit first. Now that I know ATVs and SxS can go on that path, hmmmm... maybe I need a 4-seater to accommodate more family and friends 😊. Now I will spend the rest of the night checking out SxS. Yikes, I think I will need to buy a place that has a money tree on it. 😊 Happy Halloween!!!

[@UnsettledJourney]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, wow looks incredible!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey there! Thank you so much for checking out the video. The hike was amazing! Cheers!

[@AlaskanAmblers]

Wow, the drone footage from the top was so beautiful. The light dusting of snow really enhanced the topography. What a beautiful day, and amazing views from the top. That was a knife-edge ridge going down! The lakes were so pretty, and the fall colors gorgeous. Love the Cotopaxi pack... we each have one, too! Awesome video, as usual. Sorry we have been gone for a while, but glad to be back enjoying your videos!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks guys!! It was the perfect time to be up there with the light dusting of snow.. not sure if it would’ve been too safe either if we had waited another week. It was definitely a knife-edge ridge! She loves the Cotopaxi pack! I always appreciate your comments, and for taking the time to watch our videos.. we’re in the middle of some last minute projects for our new home that we’re trying to get done before the snow flies down here so I’ve been a little slow on the posts! Hope you guys are doing well, and are staying warm up there! Cheers!

[@emilywentworth248]

Heyyy!! My dad and I are wanting to hit this one this summer so I’d love to get the details on this route!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Emily! Thanks for watching and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about it. Is there anything in particular you’d like to know? Also, if you want to shoot me over an email I can share the GPX file or Gaia GPS link of the loop so you can see the exact route. Stevens is awesome!

[@JenniferLupine]

Great views from the peak! Beautiful lakes! Enjoyed the drone footage too! Looked a bit sketchy when you were just starting down off the peak… nice late season hike! Hi from Washington 👍😄

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thanks so much Jennifer! The descent definitely was a little sketchy in a spot or two, and I may or may not have fallen a few times off camera 😊 Hi from the North Idaho! Thanks for watching and for subscribing to the channel - cheers! 🌲

[@JenniferLupine]

@@DannyJSchaefer Yikes! Looks like you made it out just fine! Nice to meet you - see you around! 😉

[@DanielJohnFPV]

What path did yall take up? Tried a summit push, but got turned around by weather and the only route we saw was bushwacking on game trails

[@DannyJSchaefer]

The little trail just comes up off the Lone Lake trail not too far from the TH, and it eventually turns into an old logging road. You then finally come to the ridge line and walk it to Stevens Peak.

[@DanielJohnFPV]

@@DannyJSchaefer awesome, I'll check that out next time. Thanks!

[@adventuregirl15]

Hey Danny, do you ever share your tracks? Would love this one. Love your videos!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Rachel, thanks for watching the videos! I’d be happy to share some tracks. This was a cool loop hike. Do you use Gaia at all?

[@adventuregirl15]

@@DannyJSchaefer I don't use Gaia but wondering if a GPX file would be OK? Thanks for responding!

[@adventuregirl15]

I'm going to message you.

[@reneesleezer2863]

I would like the track to this loop please. I’m unsure of where the start of this hike is.

[@elanastahl1929]

Any chance I could check out the tracks for this hike as well? 🙏🏾and no worries if not.

[@thebackflowguy]

Looked like an awesome hike, I forgot how steep the ridge is headed up to the peak. A little snow makes it sketchy! Isn't there a waterfall below the lower lake? 🤔

[@DannyJSchaefer]

It was a great day - thanks Bob! Yeah the descent down was a little sketchy in a couple of spots, and I fell about four times. And yep! I filmed Tessa crossing it briefly, but the water wasn’t running very fast. Thanks again!

[@lynnettefranks]

Love the drone footage! That hike looks like a killer 😳. I'm working on a few more hikes before the snow hits as well. Any suggestions for a moderate hike near Coeur d' Alene? -Lynnette

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Lynette! There was so much uphill... way more than I remembered! The hike was really cool, and turning it into a loop made it all the better. As far as hikes go near Coeur d' Alene, I'd say Tubbs Hill and Mineral Ridge are the most known ones. If you've never done Mineral Ridge I highly recommend it for the view of CDA Lake at the end. Other hikes off the top of my head would be the Pulaski Trail out Wallace, ID, Chilco Mountain out of Athol, ID, and the Shasta Butte Trail out of Post Falls, ID. I hope that helps. Thank you for watching the video!! Hope you guys are doing well :)

[@lynnettefranks]

Thanks!! I'll check these out 🙂

[@ToddStabley]

Hi Danny, thanks for the superb overview. I'm traveling to ID next week for work and planning to take a day after and do this hike. Google maps says the trailhead is closed--do you think that is bogus?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Todd! Thanks for checking out the video. The trailhead most likely will have some snow, but I also want to bet that it would be melting out pretty soon. Regardless of the condition of the trailhead, a lot of folks park out off of the road just past the bridge in the winter when conditions aren't suitable for vehicles. I would guess that it would add about a mile or so one way if you had to do that. We're kind of right in that funky time of year where everything is melting, but in the higher elevations you can probably expect snow in the shaded areas on the mountain roads. There will 100% still be snow on the trail/Stevens Peak however. Does that answer you question? Thanks again!

[@ToddStabley]

@@DannyJSchaefer Thank you, Danny! I really appreciate this great info!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

@@ToddStabley You bet! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Let me know if you have any other questions! Cheers!

[@ToddStabley]

@@DannyJSchaefer Absolutely--I am subscribed! Looking forward to checking out more of your videos. Let me know if you're ever in NC--I can recommend some good hikes there

[@mtnmisfits]

Do you ever get over the hill into Montana?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Absolutely! This year we got over to Leigh Lake in the Cabinets for an overnight trip, and then went over to Glacier for a day hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake. I have a pretty epic trip planned for next year in Montana that I'm looking forward to. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@manaventertainer5825]

❤️❤️👍👍

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thank you so much!!

[@cburnage101]

Not using the HMG pack anymore?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Good catch! I’m sampling the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 so I make a review video with honest feedback. I’ll have it back soon. Thanks for checking out the video man.

[@elanastahl1929]

Did anyone catch how many miles this loop was?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey there. This loop was 7.99 miles with a total ascent of 2,913 feet. Thanks for watching!

[@elanastahl1929]

@@DannyJSchaefer Thank you! I am going out there this weekend to do the loop. I found this video when I was searching for info and watched pretty much all your videos! Great channel :)

[@DannyJSchaefer]

@@elanastahl1929 Thanks so much Elana! I appreciate you checking out so many of the videos!