Mount Starter

View of the SW side of Mt Starter from Trail Creek Road. The minor obstacles on this lower part of the mountain include a granite ridge face, then a dacite cliff best passed on the right. Of course there is the standard fare for Idaho mountains in this area- loose talus and scree. After this, it's a pleasant and scenic ridge walk among Douglas Fir, then some whitebark pine.

At 9300', almost near the top, and now at treeline, is this andesite rooster comb. If your protege is game, climb across it. Mountaineers would rate the difficulty here at class 3+. Otherwise, just skirt the base of this outcrop.

The panorama from the top offers impressive views of four mountain ranges (Boulder, Pioneer, White Knob, Lost River). The summit cairns, placed by prospectors, appear to be 50 or more years old. Like most Idaho mountains, this one doesn't have a name on the map. If your youngster's spirit has been kindled, then the mountain is well named.

Among the andesite and slate high on the mountain, prospectors were looking for color, something that would indicate the presence of copper and gold.

DISCLAIMER: My assessment of the mountain world may not be in accord with your interests or abilities. In fact, mountains can be dangerous. Please rely on your own best judgement, not mine. In any event, strive for fun. Don't be like the young woman who spent 14 hours on Borah Peak. Totally spent, she refused to go up or down, and finally had to be carried off the mountain. Two things she never wants to see again- an Idaho mountain, and the 'boyfriend' who coaxed her to try Borah.