Swimming in the Coldest Lake in Idaho! - An Epic Camping Trip into the Backcountry

[@joycewaggerman437]

Fabulous Video! Thank You! You're best yet! I watch all of them. This one is special because I am from Idaho and this country. Always wanted to go up there. My Dad is 88 years old and has taken me to many high mountain lakes in Idaho. Just to handicapped to go any place like this again, but with your incredible videos its like being there ourselves. Your the bomb! You need to go to Salmon Idaho and hike into Freeman Lake that is in the Beaverhead Mountain Range, from the Idaho side and then go over into the Montana side. Incredible place! I think the summit is like 10,000 feet. You should go there. I hiked it from both sides multiple times. Either side is epic. Then you can either go down the Salmon River as far as you can go to Corn Creek with your car. This is where the Middle Fork comes into the Salmon River through the Frank Church Wilderness. From Corn Creek you have to raft with a river company to Riggans. Incredible trips to take! Mountains are huge! I worked on the Salmon River from Stanley to Corn Creek for many years with my business. I was born and raised in Salmon, but now live in Boise. If you hike the Montana side to Freeman Lake, your will first go through a tiny little town called Jackson Hot Springs. There are actually 3 lakes up the trail to Freeman Lake. Lower and middle...then the highest one. It took us about 6 hours to hike the entire trip up to the lake and we did it all in one day. Came out the same day because the thunderstorms were heading in and we needed to be off the mountain. Went to Jackson Hot springs for a soak, (very nice large indoors, historical swimming pool). I have skied at Maverick Mountain behind Jackson in the Grasshopper Valley, went to many old ghost towns, Bonanza, incredible place that the historical society has partially rebuilt. From Jackson, you can go over to Wisdom Montana, then onto Custer State Park. This is where battles were fought called Custers last Stand.. Awesome place. From there, go towards the Idaho Montana border over Lost Trail. Lost Trail is a very popular ski resort area that I have skied more times than I can count. Having lived in Salmon, it is only 60 miles to the hill. The snow is known for the best snow in the west, although the runs are nice, they are shorter than most. Very popular place. There is also Lost Trail Hotsprings that is like Jackson Hotsprings. Historical place that has old cabins that have been renovated to stay in. This is on the Montana side. Going back towards Idaho, back over the hill past the ski area, you will come down the Idaho side on Hwy 93 to Gibbonsville and North Fork. NorthFork is a tiny place for river floaters to gear up because it is the gateway down the Salmon River to Corn Creek that I talked about previously. So, now, you have made an entire loop through some of the best places of Idaho and Montana to see. I have made these trips more times than I can count. I have floated the rivers every way imaginable. Also, the Continental Divide, has many many more high mountain lakes besides Freeman Lakes. There are awesome as well. Agency Creek that goes from Tendoy, Idaho ( 23 miles from Salmon), is where Sacajawea was actually born. I lived and worked on the "Muleshoe Ranch" for 7 years as a ranch manager with my husband, (who is now passed away). We went over Agency Pass from Tendoy many time with horses, 4 wheelers, trucks, all the time. It was my home. Incredible history in this area as you can go back to Salmon and tour the newly built Sacajawea Center and hang out on the river. Lots of hotels, camping, and tourism here during the summer. Highway 93 South will take you back towards Boise and the Stanley areas. Well...I hope you take these trips someday! Thanks for all the hard work you do making these videos. I don't believe people understand what an incredible feat it is to do this. Plus, all the photography, editing, etc...your the best one I've seen yet. Have fun on your next adventures! I look forward to seeing what you do next! Joyce

[@bevliechty1161]

For us flat landers your videos are breathtaking. Love it

[@wandaohara378]

You never cease to amaze me the incredible adventures you undertake. So many places I'm not capable of getting to. Have so enjoyed experiencing tagging along with you. Thank you Tristin. Safe travels.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Wanda, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@nanchesca3950]

That rubble you climbed looked treacherous, yikes! But what a reward!! Absolutely stunning views!!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Nancy!

[@forthesmart4175]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPMqKmInL9oppY

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

That drone footage with you on that peak was great and that golden trout was a beauty!❤️❤️🇺🇸🚙🌏

[@DavidLari]

Wow, the drone footage from the summit was my favorite part. But really, the whole video was great.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks David!

[@denisem.1042]

I wish I had discovered your channel years ago! I am an Idaho native and have done this same hike. When I was there, Goat Lake and Betty Lake still had ice on it in August, so you were fortunate. I'm not surprised that you didn't see any other people. Access on the East Fork Road was closed for years by a private landowner who put up a gate and the only access was on the Burma Road, which not many people know about. Copper Basin is a hidden beauty!

[@hmstjohn6236]

Wow, that drone footage from the top was breathtaking. You’re so fortunate to have had that all to yourself. Thank you for sharing.

[@forthesmart4175]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPMqKmInL9oppY

[@colincroft4540]

Living in Maryland, I always thought Idaho was just fields of potatoes as far as the eye can see. I didn't think it would be a bucket list state to go to. Thank you for your videos. You're inspiring me to set out on the same kind of adventures. Hopefully I'll be able to move out west soon so I can be on the more majestic side of this beautiful country. The east has its share of awesome places but the west just abounds with these spectacular sights.

[@carolynsagraves2376]

I really do love following your trips. You can find some of the most amazing places. Wonderful views and lonely places with no one around :)

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Carolyn!

[@MrfiX725]

OMG, that opening shot campsite was SPECTACULAR!!! Golden Trout....

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks 👍

[@johnmcdonald1306]

Man I wish I I had the where withall to do the things you are doing. Thanks for sharing

[@anitamitchell3452]

I'll agree that the drone footage was fantastic but that sound that could have been a landslide .... That was Awesome! So happy you shared that. Thank you.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Anita!

[@RRCC5859]

Crazy cool drone footage upon reaching the summit. As usual, very nice work on the edit. Good job young man!

[@vanvorst1999]

🔥Another amazing video... Loved the drone footage of Stanhope Peak! Can't wait to visit these beautiful places myself someday.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Scott!

[@ritat1]

What a treacherous climb! You are one brave guy! The drone footage is absolutely stunning - otherworldly!! I'm slowly making it through all your videos from the beginning. I haven't left comments each time, but I love all the videos and actually find myself saying "yikes!" quite often. Amazing adventures!

[@maryrei4450]

Awesome! I love it that your Drone is the witness to your accomplishments. Seems kinda of poetic.

[@susanhowell1673]

Even though I hate that word "epic", this is a place I want to see. Those trout look delicious. Beautiful place!

[@jeffMinnesota952]

What a great Adventure. Loved the vistas, especially the drone video from the peak. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@mitzilickliter3879]

Awesome dip in the water!! Brrr....LOL...great video!

[@rickhenninger6978]

I can’t thank you enough for taking us so long that was really cool

[@kathleenstabler6591]

I discovered this area a couple years ago while running a trail race called Standhope. I recognized the lakes and of course, Mt. Standhope itself. We summited it and went over the other side. The race is held in mid-July but nevertheless we were on snow for a good part of the climb. I've run in a lot of amazing mountains but this is still one of my favorites.

[@WildWestTrail]

that drone footage is beyond epic!

[@SUVRVing]

Glad you liked it!

[@sierramantrvlnus]

That Drone footage of you on the top of the mountain was epic. Also real fish live above 10,000 ft. Love me the golden trout it was ginormous!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@makalapuamegs1056]

The most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Loved this video.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@pace6308]

This video makes me homesick! I lived not far from that area years ago. Hikes Broad Canyon and fished Brockie and Betty Lakes (not Goat lake however). Beautiful country, I love and miss Idaho!

[@SUVRVing]

It's a beautiful place, for sure!

[@ellencha5975]

I love your videos because I can’t go were you go. And you have such a calm manner.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!

[@beverlyschiffler9649]

I enjoyed the view from the top. Such a big rubble of rock to climb. Your dip in icy water gave me a giggle. Heart stopping cold I’m sure. Great vlog and drone shots.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Beverly!

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Wow! Some of the most beautiful landscape and well presented. Thanks

[@immushu]

The views are absolutely beautiful. Thank you!

[@Roadie1240]

Awesome drone footage at the peak!

[@chrishole7972]

Hi Tristan. Hope you don't mind but I added a review of Standhope Peak on Google Maps that simply said "Climbed by Tristan Higbee in August 2019. I added a link to this video. Thank you for taking us with you. Chris

[@SUVRVing]

Nope, I don't mind. Thanks for sharing, Chris!

[@cindi7955]

We are still pretty locked down here with the virus so am getting 'out & 'bout' by watching some of your older videos. This was so beautiful and relaxing. Lovely camping spots and great climb. Awesome drone footage. Felt like you had the world to yourself. Chilly swimming weather, though :-) Another star performance!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Cindi!

[@Sophie-ei6zh]

Tristan, that was beautiful! Really enjoy watching your adventures!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Sophie!

[@forthesmart4175]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKPMqKmInL9oppY

[@lisamarie1280]

Favorite part...drone footage from.mountain peak!

[@samanthadodd8112]

U always go to beautiful areas but this may top them all. Thanks for always taking us along. I'm the clumpsiest person I know I couldn't image walking on the top of the mountain.

[@SUVRVing]

I agree, this area was especially beautiful! Thanks for watching.

[@linh8997]

Fantastic video. Newcomer...just getting caught up. As a New Englander, I always get very nervous watching you climb those scrabbly piles of scree. Those mountains always look as though they might collapse at any minute! But wow. So so beautiful...Thank you!

[@oldmanronerickson2221]

Total bummer about the camera but you succeeded in giving us another great trip. Thank you very much from Yuma AZ.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Aaron!

[@brettsuthers9448]

Lonesome lake is the highest named lake in Idaho. Its in the White Cloud mountain range. You can swim with ice bergs in August.

[@timothysexton1532]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the adventure and the beautiful scenery with us. Idaho is awesome!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching. And yes, Idaho is great!

[@oldkingcole6147]

Awesome scenery, Love all your adventures, Thx for sharing!

[@Wanna.Wander]

That is some gorgeous country💜it’s got to be serene. Nice campsite and hike💜 happy trails

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, definitely serene. Thanks for watching!

[@MJ-xo1ji]

Really enjoyed the scenery! Thanks for sharing Tristan! Have you ever encountered any bears on your many hikes?

[@SUVRVing]

Yes, I've seen about a dozen bears over the years. Never had any problems with one.

[@brettsuthers9448]

Beauty video as always. Keep up the awesome work!

[@duoglide69]

My favorite part is at 23:53 where the goat is wondering why some dude was floundering in his drinking water .

[@deanwinchester6654]

Awesome drone footage.

[@debbiesullivan7269]

Fantastic video! Enjoyed all of the video and just subscribed, looking forward too many more of your adventures! Thanks

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Debbie!

[@melvinlee5684]

Your videos are introducing me to areas I never knew existed. This was absolutely beautiful!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Melvin!

[@1pcmedic]

Next time you are fishing in a clear lake like that, park the quadcopter up a hundred feet, maybe we can see the trout go after your fly. 17:45, absolutely beautiful. Would love to have a still pic of that with the right lighting...

[@glennbeattie6172]

Another outstanding video! I used the GPS coordinates in the description of this video to see where you were. As I zoomed out on google maps, I saw Craters of the moon National Monument. I just added 3 more pins to my "want to go" file on google maps. I love when things are named correctly. I mean You saw a GOAT at GOAT lake. Way too cool! Thanks again for your great videos!

[@SUVRVing]

Craters of the Moon is great. I've been there a few times and actually go there in a couple of videos, so stay tuned.

[@johnmcdonald1306]

I look at your videos and wish I was there. Glad to see see you are enjoying while you are young because in 20 years it will be improbable to do

[@Amigoof]

Drone footage and your dip in the lake was the best!! I admire your adventurous spirit!! Appreciate all you do!! Keep living the life!! :)

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Deb 😁

[@KristenMaine]

That's the kind of traffic I could handle on the trail!! Cows! Beautiful country side! I'd be afraid of bears.

[@karentapia888]

My favorite part was the drone footage at the summit. Absolutely stunning! I kinda laughed when the camera fell over, then immediately felt bad when you said, "uh-oh", then felt better when I read that it worked the next day. Whew! 😀

[@SUVRVing]

Lol it's always a roller coaster when dealing with electronics!

[@helenvwalker7919]

Such incredible views. The drone camera really does it justice. I love the fact that you don't see any other hikers. Thanks for filming this. Keeping me going while Covid is restricting our movement.

[@DRSpalding]

You should have taken a dip in the unnamed lake next to Betty Lake! It was 100' higher than Goat Lake. :) Love your videos.

[@sandyverwys770]

Absolutely gorgeous place!

[@laurabowlin1263]

AWESOME, thank you for sharing your adventures!

[@ronsmith1364]

The shot of the mountain goat looking down/back at goat lake. How long had you seen it before you took the shot? I thought that overnight site you chose was stunning and a great illustration of pack it in/take it out leave only footprints. Great footage per usual thanks for taking us along!

[@SUVRVing]

I saw it for maybe 20 seconds before I took the camera out. Thanks for watching, Ron!

[@LaNyOr]

Beautiful place!!!!! Someday i want to go that place.. I love all of your camping videos.. your camping is like minimal camping...very simple but enjoy all nature and find all nature traesures... and i really appreciate that you shared all informations about where you have been... Thank you for sharing your traesures...😄

[@SUVRVing]

Thank you Su!

[@elementgypsy]

Always enjoy your videos!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@chrissanfino761]

Another great vid Tristan. Every time you hike to the top of a mountain and fly the drone, it's like an epic movie. BTW you picked a great place to live.

[@Marooncords]

I love your channel man. Your videos are awesome. Inspiring dude.

[@HarryPotter-kd3bh]

How were the bugs? Also, THANK YOU for adding the date filmed. It's a shame how many youtubers fail to add that crucial piece of data!

[@Ginny2708]

That was good time up the last mountain! And, yes, the stunning views were a huge reward.

[@SUVRVing]

I agree, the views were great! Thanks for watching

[@Righteous1ist]

That was a fun adventure.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks 👍

[@idaspidalegs]

I have lost count on how many cameras you have dropped since I have been following;) I truly loved this video, and your right it had everything.

[@jtwanderer6328]

Favorite: Amazing drone shots of those - you said it - rugged peaks! Idaho is truly unique. Must see landscapes! Also the beautiful golden trout. Are your cameras insurable? Thanks for another beautiful video!

[@SUVRVing]

Yes, I actually always do get damage insurance on my cameras. So basically I can replace each camera one time per two years.

[@kimm2142]

Wow that was awesome! Thank you for taking us with you, I myself would have stayed with the backpack at the bottom of the summit.Great video!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Kim!

[@glenfaughtjr1663]

Am in awe of the dramatic, expansive views and thank you for providing them because while the climb would be a fun challenge, sadly my stomach wouldn't let me enjoy the actual summit were I there. Something to "work on" I guess? Was wondering when Goat Lake would reveal "the goat"; hope it's not solitary. Wish I'd seen the wilderness before it became grazing for domestic livestock.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Glen. Thanks for watching!

[@exrhodie1234]

That was awesome, thank you! Amazing photography especially from the peak.

[@terrysennhenn896]

Wow you out did yourself on that video. The view and the music choice was spot on. I do some trout fishing now and then and that fish was beyond beautiful. I go to some great looking streams here but not many trout unfortunately.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Terry, I'm glad you liked it. I'm lucky in that there are basically lifetimes of great trout fishing within 3 hours from here in every direction.

[@mycocoaone]

I am sure I have camped at that same area. Loved it there.

[@mrmiles713]

What a life! I would love to see those views

[@janedelaney7]

Incredible views! I can see that Idaho will be a source of many adventures for you. Thanks for sharing the different aspects and details of your hikes - all interesting in differing ways. And...that was a beautiful Golden trout!

[@SUVRVing]

Tha is Jane! Yep, lots of fun adventures to be had in Idaho 👍

[@rosemarypatrick1382]

Great video, lakes so pristine, our planet is wonderful!

[@SUVRVing]

I agree!

[@mattelliott8446]

Awesome trip! I think I’ll try to copy it next summer or do the through hike from star hope to the fall creek trail head. Did surprise valley in June and was the first visitor this year.

[@SUVRVing]

There's a ton of cool stuff to do in this area, for sure. You'll have a great time.

[@TheDenisedrake]

Great trip! Thanks for filming it.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@timmccaffery4826]

Any Tenkara fishing vids from this hike?

[@timmccaffery4826]

You answered my question later in the vid! Thank you!

[@robincrook5630]

LOL, new reply. My husband laughed and said maybe I should cut back on the cold meds. The fish I was thinking of are mullets (sounds nothing like graylings, right?). He said I probably had graylings on the brain because the other day he was naming off fish he has yet to catch and that was one of them. Again, your video was excellent and while, there is no way we would do the cold water swim, we just might take up back packing again, if only to see the beautiful places you highlighted in this adventure. Sorry about my mistake, I deleted it and I think I will stick to what I do know (namely birds and native habitat formation). :D

[@JustMe-dm8yz]

Great video!

[@AfghanistanExploration]

Beautiful videos, been binge watching your adventures. Maybe one day soon, i will go to some of the places in your videos.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Kenning!

[@jackiehiaring7805]

Just wonderful. Thanks for taking us on your adventures. Beautiful golden trout. Safe travels. God Bless

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Jackie!

[@WildWestTrail]

Wow, epic footage. Thanks for sharing.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@sissy6159]

Loved the area you backpacked and camped. Thanks for sharing

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Sissy

[@jonwarner1977]

LOL ... I did my Geology Field Camp in Copper Basin. Love the area. Always took the back way in Sun Valley from there.

[@SUVRVing]

I've gone that way before too. Beautiful area! Thanks Jon.

[@2krain22]

Beautiful..Thanks for sharing your adventure..

[@lawsonone6015]

Favorite was Goat Lake and the views at peak.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@corneaters3107]

Amazing mountain 🏔!!!!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alex!

[@christinaoklaohio7926]

Hey good to see you again. ❤️

[@robbymacklin]

Cool! Beautiful golden trout. I've never been to the Goat Lake you went to. I have been to Goat Lake in the Sawtooth's outside of Stanley, ID. It was spectacular and a great location to photograph.

[@SUVRVing]

I've seen pictures of that Goat Lake and you're right, it looks incredible. Thanks for watching!

[@robbymacklin]

@@SUVRVing www.flickr.com/photos/robmacklin/36883205383

[@sierrasandsunsets5499]

Another great video! So glad you moved to Idaho so we can see more beautiful places. Looks slightly similar to the sierras. Was wondering if there are bears there, and what you did with you're food at night. Thank you for always sharing your trips with us.

[@SUVRVing]

I thought the same thing when I was there about it being similar to the Sierras. There are probably bears out there, but I don't think a huge population. I just kept the food in my backpack and didn't have any problems.

[@tanjaontour2932]

Great video once again - thank you! 👍🏻 Just wondering whether you ever eat any of the fish you catch. The golden trout would have made a fantastic dinner...

[@SUVRVing]

Nope, I actually don't like fish. So I just catch and release.

[@eddymahon1503]

Spectacular video. Wow!! Really enjoyed the drone and swimming footage and am sorry about your camera. Was it repairable I hope??

[@SUVRVing]

The camera actually started working again the next day 👍👍

[@robertwagner7867]

Great footage as always especially the epic cinematography by drone! Your Utah videos were good but nothing compared to the beauty of Idaho. Thanks for sharing.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Robert!

[@johnmcdonald1306]

LOL when you took that dip in the water

[@beach3girl459]

The trout was gorgeous as were the views, but the rock-fall...not so much! So many summits...so little time

[@martydixon647]

are you fly-fishing? catching and releasing? thanks for the stupendous vid !

[@joycewaggerman437]

One more comment...the lakes that are on the Idaho Montana border are called the Miner Lakes. Sorry about the confusion... It's just from the Idaho side you have to go up Freeman Creek to the trail head...then hike over the ridge to get there from the Idaho side.

[@freedomdove]

I think my favorite part was your initial reaction when you came back to the tipped-over camera. Lol. Of course, the drone shots are always cool. 👍

[@SUVRVing]

Lol I'm glad you liked that part! I thought it was funny too, so I left it in.