Any fellow climbers in North Central Idaho?

Hello there, Recently moved to Salmon and wondering where one can go to meet up with some climbing folks. (I got spoiled when I lived in Flagstaff.) Looks like the Sawtooth Range is the closest to me but is that not accessable until June? Can a single with some gear find a belay partner or is it pretty hit or miss with climber traffic? Also, I know that Lost Horse north of Darby, MT is not outside of range, anyone kickin around there anytime soon? Probably too early to be asking but was hoping to plan some trips as soon as weather allows. Thanks!!

I get out that way in the Summertime. Glorious area you've ended up in.

Indeed! No shortage of gorgeous country round here! When are the Sawtooth's climbing routes accessable? Not until June?

Depends on how much you like hiking in the snow. Approaches start getting ideal about then, usually. So are you just into rock climbing, or does High Peaks & ice strike your fancy? I dunno much about ice, but there are some glorious peaks that are pretty local to you.

Interested but lacking experience and gear. I have been ice climbing once and loved it and have hiked several peaks in the bitterroots but nothing more technical than scrambling up scree fields. All my climbing has been on canyon walls with the exception of a couple of multi-pitchers that took a day to complete. Dang, it makes me miss climbing just writing about it!!

I've had my eyes on a few roadside crags along the way up from Stanley. I hesitate to tell you more than to explore on your own. I haven't been able to ever stop and check the quality of the rock, but there a numerous places in and around Salmon and Challis with lots of potential. You might have some private land/access issues, and possibly under developed areas lacking anchors, etc. but keep your eyes out as you drive towards Challis. I guided the Main and MF for a few seasons and we never had time to stop and look at the crags, but I'm eager to explore when I get back to Idaho this summer.

You might be able to climb in the sawtooth's in June, but the creek will likely be raging, even if the snow is passable. Super slabs is an area above redfish and you don't have to cross the creek. I think it's mostly moderate slab, but its multi pitch, extremely polished and quite nice. Post some beta here, if you can find any. It should be climbable whenever you'd be able to get there, i.e., waiting for the boat ferry to start operating, or for the temps to be reasonable to hike in and spend a day climbing.

There are some boulders and short top ropes for practicing around the redfish campgrounds by the lake.

There's also some sport climbing up the Yankee fork, upstream near Sunbeam. Drive up and look left for some
bolts on a wall.

There's also a climber who just moved to Garden valley and he' posts about looking for partners. Might want to hit him up.

What are you doing in Salmon?

Thanks for the great info! I see rock all around here but I am not savvy with my rock types and people have said they are crumbly but this is just what I have heard. Something to research....

I am working for the Forest Service here in Salmon, doing firefighting, precribe burning, supervising thinnig contractors and other such fuels project related things.

Do you know the name of the guy in Garden Valley looking for partners? I didn't come across a post that looked like it might've been his on the forum.

Andrew Shoemaker posted about Garden Valley, and kevinhansen looks like he is in Albion

We climbed elephants perch in early june last year and the rock was dry and warm. We brought our mtn boots up the climbs with us due to the snow descent. No crampons were needed but we brought them the first time anyway just in case. The creek crossing was fine on the way in but on the hike out a few days later we had to walk way down stream and find a log jam to cross. We made the boat ride out just in time.

I've found that Idaho is a full spectrum place. There are pockets of solid Gold amongst the choss.
Feel free to contact me if you think you want to place some anchors. Though that isn't something folks should do Willy-Nilly.
Cheers & good climbing at ya.

Kirk B. wrote:I've found that Idaho is a full spectrum place. There are pockets of solid Gold amongst the choss. Feel free to contact me if you think you want to place some anchors. Though that isn't something folks should do Willy-Nilly. Cheers & good climbing at ya.

Im interested in exactly what you mean by wanting to place anchors? are you willing to give bolts and anchors to anyone that want to, because I know of a few crags and bolted a few lines but would like to do more. Im just poor. If you are saying that you are willing to teach, what is your actual experience bolting? Just thought it was something funny to though out there in this conversation that had nothing to do with bolting, no disrespect meant.

Well, it's one of those things that should be discussed & investigated thoroughly first & foremost. No, I'm not giving away bolts. I can & will bolt an anchor, sans other options if I get to climb there, however. Like I said, willy-nilly is out. I'm thinking most of the stuff I've seen in the Salmon area is fairly chossy anyway, so it's largely academic.
Sorry to drift your thread, Christine...
Cheers!

Welcome to Idaho!

If I were you I'd check out the forum on idahosummits.com

The forum is kind of a mix of hikers, mountaineers, skiers, and climbers, but it's the highest traffic site I've found with people who all enjoy getting outside and getting after it. Those that I've met from there are all good folks.

You've got a lot of great mountains nearby, plenty to keep you busy! Don't overlook the Lost Rivers. They may be chossy, and it's true that nobody goes there, but then again, they're beautiful and nobody goes there!

If you ever find yourself on the west side of the state near Boise hit me up and let's climb!

Cheers,
Cory

Yankee Fork's a fun little crag. plus 1 for lost rivers adventures... The Sawtooths are rad. It'd be a ways from Salmon, but I've heard the Trail Creek crags out of Ketchum are pretty neat. Central ID is generally spectacular. Welcome!

Any bouldering around RedfishLake? As in 'kid' walking distance from the lodge or lake. We'll have a boat.