Chuck Ferguson by Rick Baugher

Chuck Ferguson (L) and David Ferguson (R) in Jones Creek, Lost River Range, after climbing No Regret Peak July of 1994. Rick Baugher Photo

The late Chuck Ferguson (1940-1998) is not as well known as one would expect, considering his accomplishments as an Idaho climber with a peak (at least unofficially) named after him. I met Chuck in the early 1980s during my working at the Idaho Falls YMCA. I was organizing community fun runs in Idaho Falls and Chuck ran in all of … Continue reading

The First Ascent of the North Face of USGS Peak

ARTICLE INDEX The North Face of USGS Peak I wrote this article about the first ascent of the North Face of USGS Peak for the Idaho State Bar magazine, The Advocate. They wanted me to write an article to demonstrate that attorneys could have a life apart from their legal practice. This article recounts the first ascent of the North … Continue reading

1977 Borah North Face Winter First Ascent

Bob Boyles, Mike Weber, Art Troutner and Frank Florence made the first Winter ascent of Borah’s North Face. Below you will find one of the few photos they took during the 16.5 hours they climbed and photocopies of 2 Idaho Statesman articles published at the time. Below you will find reminiscences of the climb from Bob Boyles and 3 Idaho … Continue reading

Photos from the 1976 first ascent of the Direct North Face of Borah

Below you will find Bob Boyles’ favorite photos from the first ascent of the Direct North Face of Borah (October 1976). The North Face of Mount Borah is considered by some to be one of the finest alpine climbs in Idaho and one of the few faces that holds ice during most years. The lower face starts at around 45 … Continue reading

Lost River Range Traverse by Wes Collins

Editor’s Note: The following report by Wes Collins documents his remarkable Lost River Range traverse. His effort no doubt included a number of first ascents. His achievement is one for the ages. All the photos are by Wes. Last Winter, I traded several emails with Bob Boyles and Frank Florence who both planned on making the trip with me. We … Continue reading

Mount Breitenbach: North Face – North East Ridge

First Ascent: Bob Boyles, Mike Weber and Curtis Olsen Rating: Grade III, 5.8, A2 Description Provided by Curtis Olson, Mountain Guides Inc., Boise, Idaho (as published in the American Alpine Journal, Idaho, 1983) Mount Breitenbach, North Face, Lost River Range From July 13 to 16, Bob Boyles, Mike Weber and I made the first ascent of the North Face of Mount Breitenbach. Bill … Continue reading