Stats
Distance: 14 miles
Elevation gain: 4300'
Class (difficulty): 2
Time: 6 hours
Report:
It was a busy early summer and my Mount Rainier trip loomed in early July, so I took off a Monday to get in some hiking miles. I chose Sheep Mountain because it was relatively close to Boise and offered a long hike.
I utilized a trail that climbed steeply up the east side of Sheep Mountain and out of the Roaring River drainage to the north ridge. Once on the north ridge, the trail was beautiful as it meandered along the wildflower-covered ridge. Views of Steele Mountain from the trail were tremendous!
After several miles hiking along the ridge, the trail broke out between Sheep Mountains two summits. I climbed the western one first (Point 8148) and found a benchmark. This is the "official" highpoint and elevation recognized by USGS. I then headed over to Point 8211' and felt like I was higher than the summit containing the benchmark.
The views from both summits are spectacular. To the east is Steele Mountain and to the southest, Trinity Mountain. Both are very prominent peaks in general, especially from Sheep Mountain
Getting there:
These directions are for the North Ridge Trailhead: Follow the Middle Fork Boise River Road until you reach the signed turnoff for the Roaring River Road. Cross the bridge and follow the road for 3.3 miles south of the Middle Fork of the Boise. The trailhead is on the left side of the road in some trees. Cross the road to find the trail.
Hiking instructions:
These directions are for the North Ridge Trail: From the trailhead, cross the road and head up a steep trail with good traction. This trail switch backs up the east side of the mountain to the north ridge. Once on the north ridge, the trail meanders south toward the peak.
|
|
Photos
|
|
| Sheep Mountain from near the start of the hike. |
The trail once I was on the north ridge. |
| |
|
|
|
| Looking over at Steele Mountain. |
Steele Mountain zoomed in. |
| |
|
|
|
| Ridge between the 2 summits. |
Point 8148 from the true highpoint. |
| |
|
|
|
| Benchmark on the summit of Sheep Mountain. |
Trinity Mountain from the summit of Sheep Mountain. |
| |
|
|
| Point 8148. |
|
