Observation Peak

Published on 2025-7-9 by Michael Stanton

For our first hike in the Sawtooths, Steve and I chose Observation Peak, reachable by good trail from the Grandjean Campground. We loved the alpine country, though we were surprised how often we had to cross the river! I think we made it up on logs, but on the way down we just waded across the river at one point, since one of the crossings had been sketchy.

Michael, pleased to be in alpine country

Steve, hiking below the summit

View from the summit, with Warbonnet Peak in the distance

Michael and Steve on top

On the descent, it got pretty hot. We ran into a couple starting the Grand Loop tour, which takes between 4 and 6 days. They were travelling pretty light, but we didn't envy them starting so late in the day, when the heat became rather oppressive, at least on this day.

Also, I touched "Cow's Parsnip," and the oil from this plant got on the straps of my hiking poles. If this oil is on you and your skin is exposed to sun, the skin will swell up alarmingly. This happened to me, so by the evening I could barely see my knuckles, and the skin felt stretched tight like a balloon. It took a good three days before the swelling started going down. Watch out for this plant, which grows near river crossings in the area.

Hiking down...

Open country on the descent

A great first trip, though!