The spring outing date for 2014 was set fairly early. It looked like a big crowd was lining up. The trouble was a late storm dumped several feet of snow high in the Lemhis. We opted to take a look and see approach to pick which peak for the outing once we got over to the range and took a look.

Tom and I headed over Friday at noon to get there early enough to take a look at Saddle. Saddle looked ok, but there was definitely some snow for the last 500 feet and some in the trees down lower. However, we could see a peak to the north that was nearly snow-free. Not knowing the abilities of the party, we made a decision to camp along Uncle Ike Creek and pick a peak near there for the outing, knowing that area had several peaks that might work. I texted a few people and Margo placed a post on the message board. Then Tom and I headed north to start exploring.

During that exploration, we found that not only did Uncle Ike Creek offer better camping, but that peak without snow we'd seen from Howe was right above Uncle Ike Creek and camp. The plan was coming together, but would it just be us?

The peak we had seen from Howe was Buckhorn Peak, 10412 feet high. Buckhorn sits off the main crest of Lemhis and seemed like a neat peak with numerous cliffs and towers on all aspects.

After setting up camp and some wonderful fried chicken from the Arco supermarket for dinner (which we would pay for later), people slowly started arriving, until we had a group of 9. We sat around the campfire, er lantern, telling climbing stories for a few hours before heading to bed.

The night was cloudy and warm... a few of us even thought the weather might not be sunny as predicted and storm a little the next day. However, at 4am I looked out to see a star filled sky.

At 6:30am Tom woke me up... time to get moving. Margo and Steve had shown up, giving us 11 total hikers.

We moved slowly, as big groups do, but finally started hiking.

We followed an ATV trail up Uncle Ike Creek. After an hour, I spotted a ridge which I thought would work. Tom was thinking a different way, but we decided to head up the northwest ridge/face.

The ridge was initially open with easy terrain, but eventually got into trees and steepened. In addition, we were encountering occasional snow. Not enough to stop us, but it was a bit of annoyance. Once out of the trees, we could now see the top and were out of the snow for the most part.

The initial scree was deemed "friendly" by Andrew (gotta love youthful enthusiasm). Not sure what Andrew was smoking, but it was anything but friendly. We pushed up this scree, which got better as we went up to the top of the ridge. Now we were encompassed with gorgeous views all around us. You may not find a better location to view the Lost Rivers in their entirety!

With a few steep bumps to hike over, we finally hit the final stretch and were on top of Buckhorn Peak.

The group did great, despite having climbed over 4100 feet to get there. Not one complaint and a bunch of people truly enjoying the scenery and challenge. After some fun "splattski" selfies on top and much relaxation and talk, it was time to head down.

By the time we got to the cars, it was definitely beer thirty. We had a great time hanging out in the small meadow, soaking in the sun, talking, and letting our aching legs rest. The group on this trip was exceptional and we had a great time. I hope to hike with all of them again!

13.8 miles north of Howe (.8 miles north of the signed and improved North Creek Road), turn right onto the unsigned Uncle Ike Creek Road. Follow this road with your high clearance vehicle approximately 5.3 miles to the trailhead (a fence, sign, and berm).

From the trailhead, we simply followed the trail for 2 miles, then headed up the northwest slopes toward the peak.