This Idaho/Montana border summit is an easy ‘walk-up’ from US Forest Service Road #044. The summit is on the Idaho/Montana border. From the summit are good views of the steep slopes of the Salmon River Canyon and high summits in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. There are several summits along this road for multiple summit days, provided one is camped nearby. Road 044 and side roads are popular ATV travel routes.
A developed campground, Alta, is located approximately 4 miles south of Painted Rocks Reservoir, approximately 30 miles from Highway #93. It has potable water. Elsewhere water is available only at a few small stream crossings. It is probably best to bring water with you. The road is paved to this point. Dispersed camping is available in a few sites along the main roads above this point.
Large areas of this landscape have been burned in wildland fire. Travel at times is through snag-filled forest. Beware of where you park, camp and travel especially on windy days. A saw can be handy in case any trees block your route.
Trees, snags on the summit are available for hanging wire antennas.
Elevation gain: 300’
Off trail miles: 0.2 mile round trip through open grassy slope
Water: There is no water source.
Bear Pepper Spray: Highly recommended in all North Idaho/Montana summits.
Maps: US Forest Service, Bitterroot National Forest
Directions: 4 miles south of Darby, turn south onto the West Fork Road #473/9600 to Painted Rocks Reservoir. Continue up the east side of the reservoir for approximately 13.5 miles to the junction of FS #91. Travel up #91 for approximately 9 miles to Horse Creek Pass. At the pass turn west onto FS#044. Continue here for 1.5 miles to a pull out along a grassy slope. The summit is visible to the north above the road.
