Where to go?

There is something for everyone on the Payette National Forest

With so many possiblities, where should you start looking for backcountry opportunities in Central Idaho?  No matter what your interest or experience level, there is literally something for everyone.  Whether you are interested in a relaxing ski or snowshoe through the flats, or if your looking for the steep and deep, here are a few easily accessible areas to check out. There is no substitute for experience, if you are not an experienced winter backcountry traveler, take a class, or go with others that are experienced. Even if you are experienced, take a few simple steps to familiarize yourself with local conditions to ensure a successful and safe outing: 

• Check local weather (Brundage Mountain has a great weather page on their website).
• Take a map and compass along if you are unfamiliar with the area (and know how to use them).
• If you are venturing into avalanche terrain, call the Payette Avalanche Center or see their web page for recent forecasts.
• Be prepared and equipped to deal with changing conditions or emergencies.

Also be aware that access may be difficult at some areas; lack of parking is a major issue.  Please do not block roads, trails, or driveways, respect private property.  For more information on where to go stop in at Alpine Sciences, Hometown Sports or Gravity Sports.  The folks at these stores can help you plan the perfect adventure.

Lick Creek/ Little Payette Lake

This area is just east of McCall.  For detailed instruction on how to get there, ask anyone in town or stop in one of the sport shops in town.  Once you get to Little Payette Lake you can park and ski or snowshoe through the rolling terrain just north of the parking area.  There are numerous logging roads and if you follow them you can gain the ridge that is visible just northeast of the parking area (it has a prominent granite tooth on it).  If you continue to the end of the Lick Creek Road, you can ski or shoe up the road towards Browns Pond, East Lake Fork drainage and eventually Lick Creek Summit.  There are numerous opportunities for winter camping and  some steep backcountry skiing in this canyon.  The road offers a nice place to tour if you want to  get away from the crowds. The Lick Creek Road is flanked by non-motorized travel restriction on the right side of the road.  This area is also being considered for a state Park and Ski location as well as a state funded yurt system similar to the one near Idaho City.

You can also drive past the Lick Creek Rd. turnoff and go to the end of Eastside Drive (the road that goes around the east side of Payette Lake) there is some great touring just above the road with beautiful views of Payette Lake, McCall, and the backside of Brundage Mountain. Most of the land on the east side of the road is state land, but please be respectful of posted and private lands in this area.  Also be sure that you park in a wide spot where you are not blocking the road or a driveway.

Brundage Mountain Out of Bounds and Vicinity

Brundage Mountain Ski Resort is a great place to start a backcountry ski trip.  Brundage offers a one ride pass to the top of the mountain which allows you to access thousands of acres of backcountry ski terrain.  Brundage also has an open boundary policy but signs caution that backcountry skiers are responsible for the cost of any ski area based rescues.  On the south side of the mountain is the South Park area, this is part of the proposed ski area expansion.  Follow the signs for Temptation past the Centennial Chairlift and bail out anywhere from the Fire Lookout to the top of Lodge Lane.  This is some great glade skiing and mostly very gentle terrain.

If you decide you want a more challenging tour, you can follow the ridgeline to the left of the Bluebird Quad to the radio towers and out of bounds.  Once you reach the ski area boundary, you will be looking north up the ridgeline to Sargent's Mountain.  There is great skiing on both sides of the ridgeline for the next two miles.  Once you get to the summit of Sargent's you can yo yo ski the east or west side of the mountain. When you decide to head home go down the west ridge and angle a little south (don't get sucked off to the steeper north side runs on your last run) until you reach the main snowmobile road, turn left and follow the road back to the Brundage Parking Lot (you can also follow the ski cat roads down to the main snowmobile road).

If you want to go farther from the top of Sarge you can ski north to the small knob (Double North) or beyond that to the next knob (Climax) just above Brundage Resevoir.  Everything from the north side of Sargent's to Brundage Resevoir is backcountry pedestrian only.  You can follow the snowmobile road from Brundage Resevoir back to the parking area at Brundage (about 3 miles from Double North half of which is uphill).  If you are skiing Sargent's you may cross one or more ski cat roads winding around the west and north sides of Sargent's, they are much smaller than the main Goose Lake Snowmobile road.  Sargent's is part of Brundage Mountains Snowcat ski permit area. The skiing and routefinding can be difficult on Sargent's and surrounding mountains, make sure your party has a compass and map or ski with some one who knows the area. Backcountry rescue gear is also essential, some parts of Sargent's and the ridgelines nearby produce avalanches on a regular basis.

Jughandle Mountain and Squaw Point

These areas are currently designated as non-motorized areas on the Payette Travel Map.  They are currently being used by more motorized users than non-motorized users.  Skiers and snowshoers should make a point to visit these areas as much as possible and report contacts or incidents involving other users in these areas. 

Jughandle Mountain: The easiest access is from Jughandle Subdivision which is off Farm to Market Road.  Follow Hwy 55 to the Elo road turn and then follow Elo to where it becomes Farm to Market.  Jughandle Subdivision is on Ashton. When you get to the first intersection in the subdivision stay left on Silver Fox trail.  Park at the top of Silver Fox and go due east to Jughandle Resevoir.  Stay south of the resevoir and head for the small knob just south of the main peak.  The skiing is great, the approach is a haul.  You can also access Jug from the Boulder Creek Rd.  which is also off Farm to Market.  Park at the end of the road pick a peak to ski and follow one of the many roads or bushwhack uphill.

Squaw Point:  Squaw Point is on the Warren Wagon Rd. near Secesh Summit.  It is approximately 17 miles from the Snowmobile Parking lot on Warren Wagon to Secesh Summit.  Squaw Point is the  large peak to the west, it has numerous ridgelines and bowls that will entertain backcountry skiers for days. With runs named Snake Eyes and Scott Schmidt, you need to pay attention on the northern aspects, you may even run into the crew from the Payette Avalanche Center, Squaw Point is one of their favorite forecast locations.

                                                       Bear Basin

Bear Basin: 1mile west of Brundage Inn.  Park at the pullout on the north side of the highway and walk or ski up the road.  There is private property on both sides of the road for the first mile.  Once past the plowed road, there are some great meadows on both sides of the road and some logging roads to explore.  Bear Basin lies about 1.5 miles past the end of the road, it offers great views on clear days. Bear Basin is currently being considered for non-motorized designation.