Square Top Mountain – Payette National Forest, Idaho

Today was a special day as it was Dave’s Birthday Hike Extravaganza! Square Top Mountain (also know by some as Flat Top Mountain) is probably my favorite peak in Idaho but it is quite a grunt to do on a day hike. It all starts off nice and mellow along Kennally Creek.

Luckily, I have a few friends that are crazy enough to join me on this beat down. Our first obstacle was a water crossing.

At about 7000 feet we started to hit snow.

The famous “No Trail” sign. Nothing to see here, keep walking.

As our climb continued, the approach trail became harder and harder to follow.

Right about noon we hit Needles Summit, time for lunch!

Our climb continues.

After a goodly amount of time, we get our first clear siting of Square Top Mountain. Dakota enjoys a moment on the snow.

Down below, Blackmare Lake.

As we work up the ridge towards Square Top we get varying views of Blackmare Lake.

I wanted to tip my cap to Craig who will be moving out of state soon. Craig has appeared on Davefaitlemonde many times and he will be missed!

Summit!

Art rides the summit block like a cowboy.

Square Top has a large and broad peak with lots of room for friends. One must watch one’s step as in some directions off the peak it is quite cliffy.

Today we had a special guest! Michael, another “Friend of John”. It was fun hiking with Michael and hearing John stories from his prospective. From this vantage point, this peak looks pretty tame but I can tell you there is about a 1000 foot drop about 6 inches behind Michael.

Ussie! A rare group summit photo on Davefaitlemonde. Happy Birthday to me! From right to left, Anne, Tom, Craig, Art, Michael, and the birthday boy. Not pictured, Dakota and Coco. Thanks to all my friends for joining me today, what a special gift!

Now it is time to start working our way back.

You would think that coming off this peak it would be all down hill. Wrong!

Now one final salute to Nicole, yes we did stumble across some of these but with such a long day hike there was no time to stop. In all, this is about a 15 mile round trip with 4000 plus feet of climb.