Elk Mountain 7826 by Mike Hays

Elk Mountain from the northwest. Mike Hays Photo

Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 71 of the book. Elk Mountain is the highest mountain of several clusters of granite peaks found inside the curve made by the Selway River as it flows north then west. It is the tallest of the Clearwater Mountains between the main Bitterroots near Montana on the east and the … Continue reading

Southwest Butte by Mike Hays/TL

Southwest Butte. Mike Hays Photo

This peak is not in the book. I have updated Mike’s narrative with bracketed text [*] additions to cover recent developments.  Update July 2022 Southwest Butte is the high point of a small group of mountains between the Salmon River Canyon and the high mountains of the Gospel-Hump Wilderness to the east. The butte is the high point across approximately … Continue reading

Pollock Mountain by Mike Hays

The approach to the summit of Pollock Mountain. The trail ascends the west (left) side or one can scramble up the boulders on the south end of the ridge. July 2004. Mike Hays Photo

This peak is not in the book. Located in the New Meadows Ranger District of the western Payette National Forest, Pollock Mountain is a far-flung member of the Seven Devils, being separated from most of the range by Rapid River Canyon. Pollock Mountain rises approximately 4,290 feet above Round Valley and the meandering upper Little Salmon River north of the … Continue reading

Three Prong Mountain by Mike Hays

Nearing the supmmit of Three Prong Mountain. Mike Hays Photo

Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 73 of the book. The best access is from the Magruder Corridor and Burnt Knob as discussed below. As a result of forest fires and little trail maintenance, the approach trail (FST-539) is in poor shape. In August 2017, the trail to the first peak on the ridge (White Top Mountain … Continue reading

Cottonwood Butte

The summit of Cottonwood Butte sits between the buildings in this photo.

This p2k summit is not in the book and not really part of any Idaho Mountain Range. Cottonwood Butte is located west of Cottonwood, Idaho. It is the highest culmination of the rolling hills that are known as the Camas Prairie (not to be confused with the Camas Prairie that sits between the Soldier Mountains and the Mount Bennett Hills). … Continue reading

Salmon Mountain

Approaching the lookout.

Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 73 of the book. Updated access information is linked below. Updated August 2017 Salmon Mountain is the tallest summit along the Magruder Corridor. The fire lookout on the summit is staffed during the summer. Views from the summit are nearly endless. The peak has two impressive faces (Northeast and South) … Continue reading