Sawtooth Lake, the Sawtooth Mountains and Wolves

Sawtooth Lake, at nearly 10,000 feet elevation, is the largest lake in the Sawtooth Mountains of south central Idaho.  Despite a walk of about five miles and a steep climb, it is one of the most photographed backcountry places in Idaho.

Sawtooth Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness of the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
Copyright © Ralph Maughan

During late 1997 the lake was frequented by the free-ranging Stanley wolf pack (eight wolves).  Here in the scenic heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness is where folks would expect wolves and other wild animals. In fact, the wolves generally prefer the lower elevations of forest and meadow such as found in the Sawtooth Valley and Stanley Basin at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, such as in the photograph below. The wolves are rarely found in the heights of the Sawtooth Mountains

Park Creek and the Sawtooth Range
Park Creek Meadows at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. Wolves prefer meadows like this more than the rugged crags.
Copyright © Ralph Maughan

 
 
July 30, 2006 / rmaughan2@cableone.net