Elevation: 10,068 ft
Prominence: 848
Climbing and access information for this peak is on Pages 201-202 of the book. The book covers the route up the peak’s Northeast Ridge. Updated August 2021
McDonald Peak sits east of the main Sawtooth Crest just southwest of Pettit Lake. It is a peak that can be climbed earlier in the Spring than most Sawtooth Peaks because its slopes melt out earlier than the peaks on the crest. It has also been climbed a number of times in Winter. Judi Steciak and Carl Hamke provide new route information and access information which is set out below. USGS Snowyside Peak
McDonald Peak as viewed from Peak 10027.
Looking down McDonald’s NE Ridge.
McDonald Peak as viewed from the summit of El Capitan.
South Ridge, Class 2
Gain the col between Peak 10027 and Point 9794 from the trail-less lake basin due east of Peak 10027. Either follow the directions on Page 202 for this approach to Peak 10027 or do a short but steep hike over the ridge east of Point 9889 from Lake 9078 in the Cabin Creek drainage [(A)(3)(b) on Page 206]. For the easiest footing, stay on the crest of the ridge as it winds its way up and over Point 9974.
The South Ridge of McDonald Peak and Point 9974 as viewed from near Point 9889.
Approach update for [(A)(3)(b)] on Page 206: From ID-75, turn west on Cabin Creek Road (FSR-207) about 1.5 miles north of the turnoff for Alturas Lake (FSR-207 is no longer accessible from the Alturas Lake Road). In case the signs are missing: turn left/south at 1.2 miles from ID-75, right/west at about 1.8 miles farther and continue for another 0.2 miles to the Cabin Creek Trailhead.
Additional Resources
Mountain Range: Sawtooth Range
Year Climbed: 1993
