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Down East Peak
Elevation 11161'
Down East Peak is an unofficially named 11er located in central Idaho’s Boulder Mountains. This big peak stands at the head of the West Fork Big Wood River. It can be climbed via multiple routes, but is most often tackled from the West Fork. (West Fork of the North Fork Big Wood?) The climb is a long, albeit straightforward, 13-mile round trip hike with plenty of great scenery along the way.
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I made the drive to North Fork trailhead the night before, and enjoyed some amazing star gazing before settling in for a good night of sleep.
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Here’s a shot of Down East Peak from just above the trailhead. Looking it will be a beautiful day.
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After 4+ miles of good trail, I had to do some light bushwhacking from here until the head of the valley.
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The base of the peak was an excellent spot for a snack break. From here, I aimed for the high saddle visible here south of the peak.
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A little loose talus on the way to the ridgeline, but not too bad.
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Heading north along the ridge, the summit of Down East Peak comes into view.
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Castle Peak in the White Clouds visible to the north.
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Boulder Basin Peak, Silver Peak, and Lorenzo Peak to the south from Down East. Great scenery during my PB&J.
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Looking back on the approach route up the valley, with the big Pioneer peaks in the background. On the way back down, I followed the ridge further south before descending, but it would've been easier to just retrace my steps.
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Once down off the summit block, it was just a matter of retracing my path back to the trailhead. What a beautiful day.
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Map of my route. 13 miles and 4500' gain, in about 8.5 hours of hiking. It was a fantastic Fall day in the mountains.
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