Elevation: 8,300 ft
Prominence: 400
![Peak 8300 viewed from Needles Summit. John Platt Photo](https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/27FF41FF-AAB9-421A-8752-ACEB76FF4DD8-175x175.jpeg)
This peak is not in the book. Published January 2020
Peak 8300 is located south of Needles Summit and southwest of Square Top. It is a round-shaped peak with lots of exposed granite. USGS Blackmare
Access
From Kennally Creek Campground, follow FST-101 to Needles Summit [(B)(5)(b) on Page 136]. John Platt reports: “Trails are in great shape. You must navigate several trail junctions. Fairly shady but also buggy. There are a few downed trees here and there, but you can make good progress all the way to Needles Summit.”
The name “Needles Summit” actually refers to 2 passes that are below Peak 8449 and above the Gold Fork drainage. Follow the trail to the first (westernmost) pass.
North Ridge, Class 4
Climb the Class 2 North Ridge to the granite-encrusted summit area where there are several potential high points. Use the link below to read John Platt’s trip report.
![John Platt’s GPS track for climbing Peaks 8494 and 8300 (12.9 miles with 3,737 feet of gain round trip).](https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/E5FBAE3B-7695-4EB7-832D-064BF35B1DE3-1024x559.jpeg)
John Platt’s GPS track for climbing Peaks 8494 and 8300. Round-trip stats: 12.9 miles with 3,737 feet of elevation gain.
![The view from the summit toward the pass showing the false summits. John Platt Photo](https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/8527BA8D-A7B2-4E6D-B883-FFB57EC5AA04.jpeg)
The view from the summit of Peak 8300, looking toward the pass and showing the false summits. John Platt Photo
![Peak 8300 on the left/center (farther south), 8494 on the right. As viewed from Square Top, with Long Valley in the background. John Platt Photo](https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/wp-content/uploads/6FA025A0-D997-4989-A4D3-E7ACEF224F96.jpeg)
The view from the summit of Square Top. Peak 8300 is on the left/center (farther south). Peak 8494 is on the right. Long Valley is in the background. John Platt Photo
Additional Resources
Mountain Range: Western Salmon River Mountains
Longitude: -115.81929 Latitude: 44.75079