In an attempt to get in better shape for a bigger climb in May, John Platt chose a pretty challenging outing for us, Miners Peak off the South Fork of the Salmon River past Warm Lake.

I wasn't sure I could do the peak because of the gain and mileage and the fact that I had done a leg workout the day before, but John Fadgen convinced me the pace would be slow.

In addition to the Johns, both of their wives were along. Added to the group was Shadow, the Fadgen family dog.

Miners Peak isn't a highly prominent peak nor does it catch your eye when looking from below, but it does rise 4,000 feet over the river and possesses a great view of the south fork drainage.

We got a very leisurely start at 9:45am. We couldn't drive to where we thought the trailhead might start, so we were going to be gaining that entire 4000 feet from the river.

The route started on an old road, turned ATV track. We followed this until the trail forked right. Here it became single track and had great tread as it switched back up the ridge toward the peak. The forest was beautiful with large ponderosa pines and fir trees dotting the grassy hillsides.

We ran into snow around 6000 feet and put on the snowshoes. We kept those on the remainder of the way to the summit.

At around 6700 feet the summit looked like it was right there, maybe 500 feet to go. A few of us questioned the altimeters, but in was indeed another 1100 feet. John P. did a great job weaving us around some rock out-croppings and off steeper snow slopes. Despite being mushy snow, the traction never got too bad.

Soon we were on the summit ridge taking in views in all directions. The views of the Lick Creek range to our northwest and the south fork Salmon valley to our northeast were definitely the highlights!

After an hour on top rehydrating and gossiping, I was cold and had to head down. The way out wasn't too bad at all and eventually we were off snowshoes and cruising on the trail. I must say the last 2 miles were punishment on my winter legs though and I couldn't get back for trailhead beers soon enough!

Great day in the mountains with some fun people!

Directions are complicated, but this link will get you there from Cascade.
Mapquest Link

Cross the bridge, then follow an old road along the river. Ignore a jeep trail heading toward Teapot Saddle. The road turns ATV trail, then forks. I don't believe it is signed at the fork, but head right. 3 miles in, you will see another junction (signed) pointing you to a right fork and Miners Peak.