The Southwest Tier

The Southwest Tier Several peaks and ridges project southwest from the central Lemhi crest, and are best approached from Pahsimeroi Valley. Here are some.

Patterfalls el 10535' is the high point on the ridge that divides Patterson Creek and Falls Creek. Frank Schisler of Patterson, Ida, staked a mining claim high on the mountain in the 1930's. View N to the summit on 9/20/99.

From the summit of Hillside Peak el 10592' this view is NW on 5/22/00 and shows the abrupt fault line between Lemhi Range and Pahsimeroi Valley.

My original idea was to ride the jeep roads high on the south slope for a quick easy walk up to Inyo Peak el 10611'. To do this required crossing a quarter section of private land. Using my best manners I politely asked permission. The rancher quickly blew me off. So, I went east, parked at and forded Big Creek, then began the long hike up. By this route Inyo Peak is Idaho's biggest Class 1 mountain. It allowed me to practice my mantra "going up is easier than coming down".

From Hillside Peak I mostly snowshoed this connecting ridge to Snowslide Peak el 10743'. The peak is aptly named. Sluff from my snowshoes cartwheeled over the corniced ridge lip, gaining momentum and mass at a frightening pace. From above, in horror, I watched in disbelief as this chain reaction wet snow avalanche engulfed an entire north side slope. Finishing the circular route, dry ground never felt so good.

Rick Baugher

June 4, 2008