Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published January 2023

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Crater Mountain is the northernmost point on Pelican Ridge. It is located on the northeast side of Blackfoot Reservoir and is just south of Wilson Pass on State of Idaho land. This is the second leg of a 2-peak journey that includes Limerock Mountain (7,488 feet) and Crater Mountain. This adventure covers 7.0 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain round trip. USGS Henry

Access

Same as for Limerock Mountain. This is the second leg of a 2-peak adventure.

Northwest Face, Class 2

The Climb

From the unsigned road junction, hike south up a 2-track ATV trail to reach the base of the northwest face of Crater Mountain at a shoulder crossing. Take a good look at the northwest face to identify a line that is the least punishing. The northwest face is an ugly mess of thick aspens (low) and steep, thick brush (high). Leave the road here and bushwhack southeast across somewhat thick sagebrush and other brush to reach the aspen forest at its narrowest point. Bash southeast through very thick aspens, blowdown, and brush to reach steeper terrain and slightly less-thick aspens higher up. This is a short but very PUNISHING bushwhack, particularly in the initial, flattish section of the aspen forest. Emerge from the aspen forest in steep, open scrub with underlying talus/boulders (high up) to reach the summit ridge and, soon after, the cairned summit of Crater Mountain.

West Face, Class 2

The Descent

From the summit, descend the west face, aiming for a narrow patch of aspens lower down. Up high, the terrain is loose rock and brush (plus some scattered aspens). The aspen forest is wickedly thick with lots of blowdown. Emerge into open sagebrush and head north to intercept the ATV trail. Follow the ATV trail to its junction in the meadow below Limerock Mountain. Go left/west onto Wilson Pass Road and return to your parked vehicle.