Hiking in Social Distance – Finding Freedom Among the Lakes of Independence | Local

0

Editor’s Note: Find more of Drew Nash’s suggestions for local hikes online at Magicvalley.com.

Distance: 7.7 miles (lakes), 9 miles (Mount Independence)

Difficulty: Medium and loose rock on the trail, steep inclines

Instructions: Sixty-five miles from Twin Falls. Take Highway 30 to W 400 S in Cassia County and turn right. Turn right again onto S 400 W. Take a slight right onto ID-27 and follow it to Oakley. Turn left onto W 2000 S / E Main St. Follow Basin Road and E. Oakley Elba Road to Independence Lake Road. Keep slightly right to stay on Independence Lake Road. Keep right at Stinson Creek. Continue keeping right until you reach the trailhead and the campsite.

Why do the hike: This hike offers some beautiful views through the wooded areas with the benefit not being one, but several alpine lakes. Beginning with a bridge crossing a creek, the trail first takes a gentle incline before becoming steeper towards the end. While reaching the lakes is certainly satisfying, the real reward is taking the steep climb to the top of the saddle. Once there, spectacular views of all the lakes unfold as well as the valley across to Cache Peak and Mount Independence. This hike is also considered by many to be a good beginner’s hike. There are places to set up camp at the lakes. Lake # 2 seemed to have quite a bit of space.

Photo tip: When using a camera phone, remember to turn it over so that you are closer to the ground when photographing a low point of view. Also, a reminder to try using the panning feature for mountain views or the slow motion feature when taking video of coves. The time-lapse feature speeds things up like clouds roaming mountains.

NOTE: Please consider taking a bag to pick up trash when you go out.

Drew Nash is the Timetable-News chief photographer and photography of the Magic Valley since 2009. Follow the Times-News Instagram account @magicvalleytn.

Share.

Comments are closed.