Summer Adrift Episode 9: Frank Church Wilderness
Welcome to episode 9 of A Summer Adrift! This week we’re headed into the backcountry for our first backpacking trip of the summer!
When we came to Idaho we had already done a lot of research on overnight backpacking trips. We knew that this area is choke-full of them, however, this one as not on our radar.
The night we went to the hot springs with our friend Jason (from the previous episode), we picked his brain about things he recommended we do in the area. Knowing that fly fishing was a priority, this hike was the first thing he suggested. Jason used to work on the board of tourism for Stanley, ID, and spent every free moment he had exploring the area. Thus, we didn’t take his suggestions lightly and made arrangements to hit the trail.
The canyon leading down stream to camp
We decided that this would be the perfect first overnight backpacking trip because there was very little elevation change. We saw it as an opportunity to stretch our legs and get used to carrying a weighted pack again for the first time (this season). All the other backpacking trips we had our sights set on were far more intensive making this a perfect warm-up for things to come!
The crew inspecting the first fishing spot
Bunch of happy campers
After a long drive on dirt roads into the heart of the Wilderness area, we parked Roxanne, got Luna settled for the night, and pushed off for our overnight adventure.
The hike straddled the often narrow section between the canyon wall and creek down below. We passed through burn-scarred forests, steep volcanic cliffs, and a whole lot of crystal clear water. Knowing that the area had good fishing we came fully equipped with two rods to fish as we hiked.
Owen trying his had at the juicy bend in the creek. 35mm
The first spot we stopped to fish was this juicing bend in the creek with a downed tree and overhanging rock ledge on the far bank. The minute we caught a glimpse of it Chase took off running down the trail despite the weight of his pack to get a closer look.
It didn’t take long for us to file down to the bank and start catching eager fish waiting in this idyllic spot. We spent well over an hour catching and releasing one fish after the other. I couldn’t help but think that this scene was pulled right from a painting.
Chase was even able to get some great footage for an upcoming project that he is working on. If you’re not familiar with Chase and Aimee’s work they’re documentarian photographers and videographers who specialize in fishing and wildlife. They make incredible films and are always capturing the most stunning imagery from their travels to help tell the stories of fragile and important animals, ecosystems and the people that are working to care for them. If you’re looking for something inspiring to watch I recommend any one of their videos that can be found on their YouTube Channel: Tight Loops. It’s an honor to travel and learn from them as they’re people we’ve looked up to and been inspired by for YEARS.
MAK on trail in the Frank Church Wilderness
As we pressed on further down the trail through this beautiful landscape we couldn’t help but come to terms with how incredible this state is. For too long we’ve kept Idaho on the back burner of our to-do list. I couldn’t tell you why that is, but I do know that there is something really special about this state.
Our camp spot came complete with an old trapper’s cabin
Finally we arrived at camp that was marked by a small trappers cabin that time, seemingly, has forgotten about. In addition to this old cabin, there was a hot spring spilling its scalding hot water into the creek just behind where I was standing when I took the above image. Our plan was to spend the remainder of the day fishing the stream right by camp and basking in the hot water pools.
With camp set up sandwiched between the cabin and the creek, we all set about enjoying our activity of choice. For Chase and Owen that was standing waist-deep in the freezing cold water fishing. The rest of us sat in the warm/scalding hot water and watched them from a distance and enjoyed each other’s company.
Enjoying the camp side hot springs
All the gear
Eventually, Chase and Owen joined us in the water where we remained until long after the sun disappeared over the canyon walls.
Chase meeting a new friend
As day transitioned to evening, we got to work on making dinner while we still had some light to work with.
MAK working on dinner
After a dinner of backpacker meals, we went for a walk and found more hot springs further downstream that entered the creek via a waterfall. Sadly, the waterfall was too hot and the creek was too cold to be enjoyed this time of year.
We returned to camp where we enjoyed a fire before going to bed early and exhausted from our first day of backpacking.
In the morning we got up early to enjoy the hot spring one last time before we started the trek back to the trailhead. We stopped at the bend in the creek where we had so much success the day before to get a few more casts in. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our season of backpacking! So much more to come!
Thank you all for reading! We will see you next week!
Love,
MAK
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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