On the western fringe of Central Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, there is a low divide that separates Fisher Creek and Williams Creek. The divide is home to two peaks I’m going to refer to as the Fisher Creek Peaks. They are more like foothills by alpine standards, but still rise up enough to provide good views of the taller White Cloud Peaks, and fantastic views across the valley to the Sawtooths.

The Fisher Creek Trailhead provides good access, high clearance and good tires required. I drove to the trailhead the night before, and was surprised to see 12 other rigs there. Turns out it was the opening weekend of elk hunting season. So I backtracked a half mile and parked in the trees and turned in for the night.

The next morning, I drove back up to the busy trailhead, and headed west up the ridge. There were a few inches of snow on the ground, left over from a big storm earlier in the week. The area had been burned in forest fire a few years prior, and I think the snow made it look more pleasant. Plus I had hunter’s boot tracks to follow, which made for easier hiking.

It only took a half hour to reach the first peak, “East Fisher Creak Peak” (8533’). Views were excellent, but I only paused briefly before continuing on along the ridge. Unfortunately, I’d descended the wrong ridge, but was able to backtrack and side hill around to the correct one. It was a beautiful morning, with great views of the Sawtooths along the way.

After some ups and downs along the ridge, I arrived at “West Fisher Creek Peak” (8485’). More great views of the Sawtooths from here. Some boot prints in the snow nearby meant I was the second visitor to this summit this week.

Now all that was left was to retrace my path back to the trailhead. Round trip was 6 miles and 1300’ elevation gain in 3.5 hours. Next up was a PBJ at the trailhead, and then an afternoon hike to Big Fisher Creek Peak.

Map of the route, 6 miles and 1300' gain round trip.	Fisher Creek Trailhead.	Looking back at the sun rising above the trailhead.	Nearing the summit of East Fisher Creek Peak.	Looking back on the big White Clouds Peaks from the first summit.
Guardian of the ridge?	View toward West Fisher Creek Peak.	Nearing the summit of West Fisher Creek Peak.	The big White Cloud Peaks from the second summit.	View of the Sawtooths from West Fisher Creek Peak.
Map of the route, 6 miles and 1300' gain round trip.Fisher Creek Trailhead.Looking back at the sun rising above the trailhead.Nearing the summit of East Fisher Creek Peak.Looking back on the big White Clouds Peaks from the first summit.Guardian of the ridge?View toward West Fisher Creek Peak.Nearing the summit of West Fisher Creek Peak.The big White Cloud Peaks from the second summit.View of the Sawtooths from West Fisher Creek Peak.