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Whangdoodle Peak
Elevation 6270'
Whangdoodle Peak is an unofficially named mountain on the southern edge of central Idaho’s Salmon River Mountains. It rises above the South Fork Payette River, near Kirkham Hot Springs. The Kirkham Ridge Trail passes very close to the summit, which is roughly the headwaters of Whangdoodle Creek. There are other less interesting named features nearby, but Michael suggested the nickname Whangdoodle Peak, and who am I to argue! We’d talked about this peak numerous times while driving to or from other adventures. So, with a nice sunny February day in store, it was finally time to give this peak a shot.
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After a 90 minute drive from Boise, we arrived at the plowed pullout for the Kirkham Ridge Trailhead, with the trail visible from highway 21.
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It wasn't long before we saw our first group of elk, a common theme for the day. We saw several dozen elk and deer during the hike.
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The Kirkham Ridge Trail gained elevation steadily, and we made good time thanks to a supportive crust on the snow.
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Here's a view across the Payette of Jackson Peak.
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Not a bad day for a hike!
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After a while, we left the trail and headed up to the ridgeline.
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We weren't the first tracks on the ridge. We saw tracks from coyote, rabbit, and of course plentiful deer and elk tracks.
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Nearing the summit of Whangdoodle Peak.
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Kirkham Ridge and Miller Mountain from Whangdoodle.
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Jackson Peak from Whangdoodle.
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Victory shot on the summit.
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After a PB&J, it was time to head back down. The snow had softened up in the afternoon sun, so it was time to strap on our snowshoes.
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Great open views as we made our way back down the ridge.
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View down Whangdoodle Creek, with the highway and my car just visible far below.
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Almost back to the trailhead.
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Map of our route. About 7.5 miles and 2400' elevation gain round trip, in 5.5 hours of hiking. A beautiful day in the mountains.
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