An Unforgettable Experience

John Baisden's Favorite Experiences in West Fork Lake

John Baisden loves to backpack and camp in remote areas throughout the northwest.  John has been anywhere from Hell’s Canyon to The Grand Canyon and everywhere in between.  However, his favorite hiking gem is located in the Selkirk Mountains, North of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  Each year, John Baisden along with some of his sons and grandchildren backpack into the Selkirk Mountains and camp for a few days.  There they enjoy together the breathtaking views, the warm weather and the serenity of being away from the worries of everyday life.


John Baisden has been backpacking into the Selkirk Mountains for about twenty years and has had many memorable experiences over that span of time.  One particular experience that John will always hold dear to his heart occurred about sixteen years ago when each one of his sons had accompanied him on this particular hike into West Fork Lake.  It was the excitement of a fishing expedition that lured all the boys to venture on this unique trip with John.  Each son had his own fishing pole and was excited about the much talked about fish that were in this lake.  It was the type of memory that makes a father proud.  After camp had been set up, the boys were eager to fish.  Each one of the six sons had his fishing pole in hand and began to cast their lines into the water.  As time went on, it seemed as though fishing from the banks was not good enough.  Each brother waded further into the lake to prove their ability to bring in the big catch of the day.  There was a moment when it seemed as though time stood still – each son was in the process of casting or reeling in their fishing lines all at the same time.  A picture in one’s mind that speaks a thousand words.   Oh, what a sweet memory that trip was.

Since that time, there has never been another trip where all six of his John Baisden's sons have been fishing with him at West Fork Lake.  Perhaps it would be John's dream to have that experience all over again with all of his sons and their respective children reliving an experience that seemed so remarkable sixteen years ago.  John considers spending time with his family as the most important part of his life…it is in the precious memories surrounded with family that brings purpose, healing and wonder to a life that is bombarded with trials and tough times.