Most of the time, I simply report on my trips with like-minded adventurers in mind... i.e. those that are peakbaggers too. However, the thought dawned on me that Salt Creek Peak would make a fine outing for beginners or families with children. With the easy drive, trail, open country, and incredible scenery - this is a great intro into Idaho's high country.

The trail starts right off the road in a beautiful meadow. The trail is narrow and brushy in places, but isn't steep at any point and will lead you to within 20 vertical feet of the summit.

The summit has a cairn (a pile of rocks) and great views of the higher Soldier Mountains, Boise Mountains (including Steel Mountain and Two Point Mountain), the Sawtooths, and the Smoky Mountains (especially Big Peak).

There were flowers and deer in the area as well.

Even a beginner or someone with children should be able to complete this hike in less than 2 hours easily. Then reward them with one of the incredible shakes at the Wrangler restaurant in nearby Fairfield after the hike.

This area has deep Basque roots, as you will notice their names carved into trees in the area (and on a cross a top McHan Peak). On this particular day, there was a sheepherder's wagon parked in the area near the meadow.

For those with more peaks on their mind, the parking area for this hike provides access to Basque Peak (west of the parking area) and McHan Peak (southeast of the parking spot). See the map below for details.

** Note. My distance and time listed above are only for Salt Creek Peak and do not include stats for Basque Peak or McHan Peak.

From the main road in Fairfield, Soldier Road, head north to the small town of Soldier.

Turn right onto Baseline Road and go .3 miles.

Turn left onto Soldier Creek Road and drive approximately 7.5 miles.

Turn right onto the well signed Couch Summit Road. Follow this well graded gravel road for 4.3 miles.

At the summit (don't worry there is a sign, so you will know when you arrive), turn left onto FS 010 and follow this well maintained road for 4.5 miles to a large flat meadow.

FS 010 is fit for sedans, but it is steep in places and bad weather could change that.

From the meadow, either hike due east to the ridge top or look for the brown trail sign (just off the right side of the road as you enter the flat area and shown in the "Salt Creek Peak" photo below). Either way you should be able to find the trail heading north towards the peak.

Follow this narrow, but good trail all of the way to the top of Salt Creek Peak (Peak 8180).