Elevation: 10,068 ft
Prominence: 848
Climbing and access information for this peak is found on pages 201 and 202.
Mount McDonald 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 early than the peaks on the crest. It has also been climbed a number of times in the winter. Judi Steciak and Carl Hamke provided a new route information and access information which is set out below.
McDonald Peak fromPeak 10027.
Mount McDonald viewed from the summit of El Cap.
South Ridge, Class 2: Gain the col between Peak 10,027 and Pt. 9,794 from the trailless lake basin due east of Pk. 10,027 (either follow the directions on p. 202 for this approach to P. 10,027, or do a short but steep hike over the ridge east of Pt. 9,889 from Lake 9,078 in the Cabin Creek drainage [(A)(3)(b)] ). For the easiest footing, stay on the crest of the ridge as it winds its way up and over Pt. 9,974.
South ridge of MacDonald Peak and Pt. 9,974 from near Pt. 9,889.
Approach update for [(A)(3)(b)] on p. 206: From Route 75, turn west on Cabin Creek Road (FS 207) about 1.5 miles north of the turn-off for Alturas Lake (FS-207 is no longer accessible from the Alturas Lake Road). In case the signs are missing: turn left (south) at 1.2 miles from US 75, right (west) at about 1.8 miles further, and continue for another 0.2 miles to the Cabin Creek Trailhead.
Climber Trip Reports
Mountain Range: Sawtooth Range
Year Climbed: 1993
