Idaho is MUCH more than just potatos!

The Lost River Range of Idaho is one of the gems of our country but, it is an undiscovered secret to most people. Halfway between Yellowstone and the Sun Valley/Sawtooth country, this exquisite mountain range gets passed by. Dramatic geology, outstanding wildlife and recreational opportunities abound in this natural playground.

There are about a half dozen 12,000+ foot peaks in this range of awesome peaks.

As you go north, the peaks just get bigger and more dramatic. Those trees in the foreground are at least 35 feet tall! Despite my past inclinations, I really have no desire to climb this peak.

In the "backside", there is evidence everywhere of extreme glaciation in geologic history. Long lateral moraines are in plain sight, without trees or topsoil to hide their existence. Massive alluvial fans march unceasingly into the valleys with 10 mile long "soil fronts" inundating everything in its path. A few universities send all their geology students here to look and learn about Ice Ages, geologic upheavals and massive erosive forces.

Of course, you can't talk about this part of Idaho without mentioning the abundant wildlife here. You can find almost every kind of fascinating (and deadly) animals in this country, including moose, wolves, wolverines, elk, coyotes, antelope, mule deer and white tail deer.

While surveying aspen stands, I ran across this nest at about eye level. A normal horizontal shot was pretty boring so I took a chance and held the camera above to get this amazing shot.

The high country here is so dry and not many trees can survive the hot summers and frigid winters. This Limber Pine has incredible earthy brown colors and weathered textures. I took about two dozen shots focusing on these dead grizzled sentinels of the subalpine realm.