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Basque Peaks
This group of 3 peaks, which I nicknamed “The Basque Peaks”, is located in the Solder Mountains, just north of the town of Fairfield and the Camas Prairie. The terrain is open and offers easy travel and excellent views. All 3 are accessible via short individual hikes, or combined together for one somewhat longer hike.
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I made the 2 hour drive from Boise to Couch Summit, then up well graded road 010 to my starting point at the base of the first peak. It was a beautiful morning as I started up the overgrown two-track leading to the summit.
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The summit if the first peak is adorned with a carving 'Gora Euzkotarak', which is translated "Up with the Basques" or "Long Live the Basques". No doubt carved by a Basque sheepherder many years ago. The hike for this peak is only 1 mile round trip, and I was soon back down to the road and headed toward peak number two.
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From the main road, I then headed up a different overgrown two-track road leading up "Basque Peak". This is a steeper section. Wildflowers were plentiful throughout the day.
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Summit view from "Basque Peak" looking back on "Gora Euzkotarak Peak" to the east.
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The summit of Basque Peak was a great vantage point to check out Smoky Dome and its neighbors, still partially clad in snow,
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Basque Peak was 2 miles round trip, and I caught this view of "Salt Creek Peak" on my way back down to the main road.
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After crossing the road, I wandered through some low brush before finding this faint trail leading most of the way up Salt Creek Peak.
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View from the summit of Salt Creek Peak, looking over Basque Peak at Smoky Dome and friends.
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Outstanding views all day, including this one looking south from Salt Creek Peak.
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Almost back to the truck, with "Gora Euzkotarak Peak" in the background.
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Map of my route. Just over 5 miles and 1600' elevation gain round trip, in 2.5 hours of hiking. A very enjoyable June morning.
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