The North Star hangs in the sky above Elk Lake.
Looking down the South Fork of the Payette River canyon across the grassy banks of Elk Lake.
Western spirea hardhack (Spiraea douglasii), deciduous shrub 1 - 2.5 m in height. Simple pinnate leaves that alternate on the stems.
Glacial polished granite slabs flank the trail upstream from Elk Lake.
Granite spires and faces along the north side of the Ardeth Lake Trail.
Smith Falls is one of the highlights along the trail above Elk Lake.
Looking down canyon from the junction above Smith Falls.
The well-traveled and maintained South Fork of the Payette River Trail.
Ardeth Lake junction trail sign.
Showy daisy (Erigeron speciosus).
Looking at the east shore of Ardeth Lake. The trail to Vernon climbs up this face and to the divide in the right side of the photo.
Lookng north to the outlet of Ardeth Lake.
A smoky sunset over the north shore of Ardeth Lake.
Ardeth Lake inlet stream.
Ardeth Lake inlet stream detail.
A purple, smoky sunset over Ardeth Lake.
Campsite and star streaks on the south shore of Ardeth Lake.
Packing up, south shore of Ardeth Lake.
A camper enjoys the sunrise on the shore of Ardeth Lake.
Glacial polish on the slabs 600 feet above Ardeth Lake. Elk peak stands left of center.
Glacial polish on the slabs 600 feet above Ardeth Lake. Elk peak stands left of center.
Glacial polish on the slabs 600 feet above Ardeth Lake. Elk peak stands left of center.
A hiker descends from the Spangle divide to several unnamed lakes above Ardeth Lake.