Climbing Mount Idaho, Lost River Valley Road Trip Day Three

September 29, 2014

First to Make Tracks in the Snow on Mount Idaho

Woke up to no rain. The rising sun was even trying to poke through under the clouds. I could see the peak of Mount McCaleb towering over Mackay. Today, I would climb. I drove back to Elkhorn Creek and got prepared to go.

Mount McCaleb and Chevron Station, Mackay, Idaho

The clouds hung a bit higher and were not as thick as the days before. A good omen. Unfortunately the peak of Mount Idaho was still hidden in the fog as I began the hike up Elkhorn Creek. I hoped the now present sun would burn off more of the cloud layer as the day went on.

Reaching the End of Elkhorn Creek Canyon

There was more of a trail then I had expected. The hike along the creek and forest was pleasant. In fact, this hike would make for a great outing itself and yield great views of Mount Idaho at the end. After a few hours of hiking, I came to the massive cirque at the foot of Mount Idaho. The boulder hopping began. A bit later, I veered left up a ridge leading northeast to reach the main crest to Mount Idaho. Traversing more east then north, I saw the saddle Tom Lopez writes about and headed for the southern end. The blocky light colored rock was easy to climb, but as I traversed southeast, I came to a slide of that tan small volcanic rock, so ever present in the Lemhis and Lost River Ranges. There was a big difference between climbing the two kinds of rock. I quickly returned to the light colored rock and stayed the course to the top of the saddle.

Saddle on the Crest

Southeast of the Saddle

Looking Northeast on the Saddle

The clouds opened up different vistas during the hike. Yet the peak remained shrouded. I photographed when I could and climbed upwards. Not long after leaving the saddle, the cloud layer began to thicken as I navigated the complex ridge to the summit. I missed the tremendous views I knew the climb held, but hiking the ridge in the fog and alone gave a unique experience that was just as satisfying. I was loving the challenge and the misty, ruggedness of the ridge. 

The Westside of the Ridge

The Eastside of the Ridge, Mount Idaho in the Clouds

A Wider View of the Eastside

On the Ridge

On the Ridge

Relaxing

Interesting Rock View 1

Interesting Rock View 2

The Ridge

Often times I could just see only the ridge itself. I brought along Lopez’s description of the climb to reference along the way. I read that after coming off the ridge, I needed to look for an obvious gulley leading to the summit. By now the clouds were so thick I could only see about 50 feet in every direction and the wind began pelting my face with small hard balls of snow. I put on a shell, picked the most obvious gulley, and went up. There was just enough snow to make the rocks slick, not enough to kick in for steps. I was glad I had worn my Trekstas. Not to sound too commercial like, but these boot have the best grip on rocks I have ever felt.

The Ridge

The Ridge

The Ridge

Looking Down Elkhorn Creek

The Ridge 

I came to an obvious high point and wondered if I had summited. I knew the Mountain was listed as 12, 065 feet. Yet, I could see another ridge leading west, but it dropped a bit and headed to what looked like a lower point in the fog. I checked the altitude on my watch, 12,061 feet. I was pretty sure I was standing on the top of Mount Idaho. The wind, snow, and fog had picked up and I was motivated to drop down as fast as possible.

On the Summit

After scree skiing madly down the gulley, it soon became apparent that I had no idea where I was and which way to go. I was completely disorientated. I looked at the GPS reading on my watch and was surprised to find my instincts were in complete disagreement with my current course. I reluctantly gave into what my logical mind was telling me…follow the readings. Soon I began to see my footprints in the snow. They were quickly filling in with the blowing snow but they were there. I recognized parts of the ridge as I descended. The watch was right.

After a drop in a couple thousand feet, the wind and snow were gone and the hike turned pleasant again. I stopped a few times to photograph, but really wanted to be down in time for the evening light on the mountains in case it was any good. I pushed on. Reaching the car, I quickly threw everything in, grabbed a cold Coke from the cooler, and bounced quickly down the rocky road to the highway below. I was racing the light again. Looking back at Mount Idaho, I saw the summit for the first time that day. The clouds were almost gone! I stopped and made some images in the evening light.

Elkhorn Creek Canyon, Lost River Range, Idaho

Mount Idaho in the Clouds, Lost River Range, Idaho

Mount Idaho and the Ridge Leading to the Summit

Drove to Mackay while finishing off the Coke. At Sammy’s I finished off two pizzas and drank some ice water while watching part of The Big Bang Theory on the big screen. I decided I could be home by 10:15. The though of sleeping in the Subaru a fourth night was taking it’s toll on me. I hit the road with tunes blasting. Stopped in Arco at Pickles to get a chocolate milkshake. My body was craving carbs and protein. Drove till I was home.

Four images of Mount Idaho made in July, click here.

Other Resources:

Tom Lopez Website:
Mount Idaho


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