Solo Backpacking trip to Angel Lake in Idaho Pioneer Mountains | Fall Creek to Angel Lake

[@Steezicus]

We just did this as a day hike today and holy crap I must be getting old because it absolutely destroyed me. We messed up and hiked on the trail to the waterfall first so that was an extra 1.5 miles then when we started the final ascent to Angel we thought that it looked like billy goating up lookers right would be best and it was extremely difficult and we came down the way you did and realized how big of a mistake it was to climb lookers right. It's weird that there was still a little ice left on the lake but the level was too low to flow out of that crag which would have been cool to see. It definitely reminded me of some lakes in the Winds where a cirque surrounds a lake that is basically sitting on a cliff. Your video was really good as i wished i would have found it before today because your drone shot showed pretty clearly which way would have been best to climb and ascend and yes i was glad i didn't pack my drone because the wind was very gusty and never let off all day up there.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Wow, thanks for the awesome write up of your trip! I was just wondering the other day if Angel Lake was covered in ice this time of year. Sounds like you had an epic adventure and yes, that really makes for a long day if you do it as a day hike. Reading about your adventure really makes me want to head up there again while simultaneously kind of makes me want to stay home, ha ha. Glad you had a good time and thanks again for including your story here!

[@Steezicus]

@@beataclintadventures304 yeah at the the of the day I said I'll never go to that drainage again then the next day I started planing on going back to explore some other lakes there. I'm just getting old and out of shape and should have prepared with more trail hiking before attempting Angel.

[@eliminator7ful]

Well done sir. This was obviously a real adventure and struggle and you prevailed! As an elderly Idahoan, I give you my respect. I enjoyed your drone video shots. And especially your close up video of flowers, insects and rocks. It's fun to see the seemingly unimportant moments of life in the high country that most people don't notice. It's great that you captured the moment of the click of the clock of the caterpillar..

[@beataclintadventures304]

Awesome! Thanks for the comment! That definitely was a challenge for me. I liked that you appreciated the additional nature shots we added; it’s a good reminder to add that stuff into future videos. Thanks again my friend!

[@jhrinthe208]

Day hiked to Angel Lake about 10 years ago. Came up from Moose Lake, up and over the saddle down to Angel Lake, then back to the trailhead via the way you came up to the lake. 12 hours total hiking. It was absolutely brutal but worth it. Probably the most picturesque lake in central Idaho.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Whoa, awesome story! You picked an even more spicy route. I wanna try that hike someday soon. 2 lakes for the price of one on that trip!

[@dustinholbrook7435]

Thank you for sharing! A couple decades ago my friend and I hiked into surprise valley. I remember "one steep rocky f@#%er" scratched into the sign. They weren't lying, but it was well worth it. Probably my favorite backpacking trip I've taken. It's beautiful up there, it was really cool to see it and spark my memory!

[@beataclintadventures304]

@@dustinholbrook7435 So cool! Yep it’s a rocky and remote hike but definitely worth it. Thanks for the comment. I love hearing from people that have made the rugged hike into surprise valley and into Angel Lake!

[@Twotone-ld1fb]

I've lived in Idaho my entire life and when i was younger went camping a lot in the Idaho mountains. Lots of amazing places if you know where to go and are willing to hike. Lot of natural hot springs too, though lately they have been overrun by people that abuse the sites.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Yes I agree, there are still many untouched, amazing places in Idaho if you are willing to go off trail and explore a bit.

[@grahamhallman243]

I hate saying Idaho is underrated because then it may attract more hiking traffic. But Idaho may just have some of the most gorgeous section of all the Rockies, USA or Canada. It doesn't get the love because they wisely established Wilderness Areas and avoided the National Park designations.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Couldn’t agree more. I think the mountains in Idaho are the best. Not too big, not too small.

[@chocrow]

Then don't say it.

[@cachemacstrailtime]

That looked like a brutal hike up, but after seeing that camp spot. So worth it. Bonus for no people. That's my kind of hiking. Take care!

[@beataclintadventures304]

Yes, that hike was the hardest I’ve ever done. Still, I can’t quit thinking about doing it again! I actually lost 25 lbs and I’m reducing my pack weight with the hope that I can try again on a perfect weather weekend. That area is actually has a mystical feeling to it. Probably because the lack of trail and other people. Thanks for the comments!

[@georgemason2472]

Your wife is a wise woman. Years ago I went up through Surprise Valley on a day hike. I thought the guy that made that trail was a sadist. Thanks for posting.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Thanks! Definitely a challenging hiking area with lots of vertical climbing, whichever direction you go.

[@Gmar69]

I live down in Iona and thinking about doing this hike in the Spring. I'm surprised you didn't do any fishing. There is probably some Golden Trout or Graylings there. Maybe you didn't bring gear and a cooking outfit. Maybe next time. Great hike and video.

[@beataclintadventures304]

Hi Gerry, for sure! It’s a great hike and I talked to a guy that stocked Angel with fish via a helicopter, so they are up there! Check out Moose Lake on your map as well.

[@jeffswanson-y2z]

I shared this on my Summit Slayer page on Facebook. I've always wondered how the camping was, thanks for answering that for me! Great hike buddy!!!

[@beataclintadventures304]

Very cool, thanks! It was a rough one (for me) but I just keep thinking about doing it again.

[@malencid]

superb drone work. How many miles?

[@beataclintadventures304]

Thank you sir! This hike is 14 miles round trip with 3,200 feet of vertical ascent. But so worth the effort.

[@OffroadTreks]

Man, White Power Wagon and the same Condor hat I wear and backpacking the same trails. I feel like I'm watching my cousin, lollololol

[@beataclintadventures304]

Ha ha, brother from another mother. The Power Wagon is a great rig for exploring Idaho and Utah for sure. You have great taste in trucks and outdoor areas!

[@SASProductionsGodBlessAmerica]

Great video ❤ Did you come across any Rattlesnakes?

[@beataclintadventures304]

@@SASProductionsGodBlessAmerica Thanks! No, I have never seen any in this area. Out on the Snake River plain we have seen hundreds gathered in the sagebrush and in cave openings.

[@SASProductionsGodBlessAmerica]

@@beataclintadventures304 thank you

[@malencid]

also time of year?

[@beataclintadventures304]

This hike was done on July 19th and July 20th of 2023.