The drive into the North Fork may be tougher than the climbs, but Shephard Peak and Silver Peak are worth the bouncing and jouncing.
- October 5, 2005
- Trip start 7am- 2hr 30min drive
- Hike start 10am
- Summits: Shephard Peak 8833' @11:15am, Silver Peak 8573' @ 12am
- Team: me
- Time: back to the car at 1:15, home @ 3:45
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
Snow has come early to the Idaho mountains this year. Usually the middle of October is t-shirt weather, once the sun is up. But not this year! I put the new Suby-Do to the test, driving the road to Graham, and then adding in some snow. But I chickened out and did not drive to the actual pull-out, instead parking about a mile short of it and walking the last stretch. Silly me- this stretch was *way* better road than what I had just driven. Anyway, this is what Shephard Peak looks like from the proper pullout. Not a lot of depth to the snow, but good coverage on northerly aspects. |
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But before we leave the road, this view is of the Sawtooths. Amazing perspective, with some gnarly-looking incisors (click on the picture for the bigger version). |
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From the road, you traverse a wooded hillside, essentially staying at the same elevation as you move south towards Shephard. Then you start up the ridge of Shephard, getting a great look at the Goat Mountain complex. I had hoped to run over there this trip (who wants to drive back in on that godawful road?) but ran out of time. |
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After the flattish traverse, it's only 800' to the top of Shephard. It wasn't long until I was enjoying the views of Silver Peak, just down the ridgeline. It's about 450' down to the saddle, then back up some. |
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Here's what Silver Peak looks like from the adjoining ridge. This ridge is quite steep on both sides. Fun walk! |
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Once on top of Silver, you look back at the south side of Shephard. The sun had done it's work on this side and there wasn't much snow. |
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On the way back to the car I stopped and took some pictures of some footprints left by one of my furry little buddies. Note about the Graham road: Until you get to the turnoff to Jackson Peak lookout, the road is pretty good. Then you drop down a steep hill and the road goes to crap. In spots, it is extremely rocky and loose. Although I did get whacked underneath the car once, that wasn't my real concern. The issue is tire damage. I'd carry an extra spare if I went again. And a backcountry tool set with at least a good bow saw... you are a long ways back in there, and there aren't many other idiots to lend you a hand. |
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