Jerry Peak

Hikes: D, O.
Total Distance, D: 6 miles.
Difficulty: Levels I, III.
Season: June 25-October 1.
USGS Maps: Herd Lake, Jerry Peak.
Forest Service Map: Challis N.F.
Dirt Road Miles: 9 1/2 gravel.
PLSS Location: Section 33, T9N R20E.

Introduction: The least-known portion of the proposed Boulder-White Cloud Wilderness is the BLM's Jerry Peak Wilderness Study Area. The BLM built a high quality road into the area, across the landslide that dammed Herd Lake. The road required considerable maintenance, and was finally closed after the Borah quake shook up the slide. It now makes a very fine trail to hike up to superb views, and to areas of pristine vegetation.

The Hike: The author hiked up on the road and down on a ridge. He would rather do the opposite: ascend the steep, rough route, and descend the gentler road. Why? Because downhill hiking is harder on your knees and ankles, and more difficult to keep your balance. However, the routefinding on the cross-country stretch is so difficult that he presents the hike the way he did it.
  Start up the road from the overlook, passing "tank traps" that close it. When the road's right side comes next to a creek, study the slope on the other side. You may descend this on your way back. Further walking along the slide brings you to views of the massive cliffs that mark the source of the slide. On the way back, you may descend the south (right) side of these cliffs.
  At last you leave the slide area and move up a fine creek. The author saw a group of elk here. All ran for cover, but a curious spike buck returned, approaching to fifty feet before stopping to stare. Past here, you climb to the ridgeline and encounter a beautiful BLM campground. If the BLM reopens the landslide road, this campground will become your trailhead.
  Take the four-wheel-drive road that veers off to the right of the campground (W1), and head east along the ridge to the summit at 9583 (D). The view from here is spectacular, taking in Borah Peak and 1000 Springs Valley to the east; the Pahsimeroi Range to the northeast; the White Knobs, Pioneers, and high Boulders to the southwest; the White Clouds to the west; the Salmon River Range to the northnorthwest; and Lone Pine Peak to the north.
  From here, you can continue south along the ridge to 10,010 foot Jerry Peak. Along the way you can see old and young landslides. From Jerry Peak you could continue westsouthwest along a ridge, finally descending to Herd Lake. This would be a very arduous hike.
  On his return, the author took a Level III cross country route. As he descended toward the campground, he took a faint way that cut off to the left. It climbed west on the ridgeline, and divided near the precipitous edge of the headwall. There is only one safe route down from here. It doesn't go down rock, but rather leaves the southern edge of the cliff near a line of trees, and descends on game trails (W2).
  This descent brings you to the top of a second headwall. Again, descend from its southern end, following a route through sagebrush and grass. Take time to enjoy the ultra-excellent condition vegetation. It has 100 percent cover, abundant forbs, and thick bunchgrass. No cows here!
  You are now at the first of three level benches on your descent. This one is the trickiest to negotiate because trees obscure your route. It's better to err too much to the left (south), because the steep slopes of the head of Herd Creek will stop you.
  The second and third benches are grassy. You must descend off the right side of the third bench to reach the road. Hike along the north edge of the bench, and when you see a loop of road below (W3), carefully descend the very steep slope to the creek. Scramble up the other side, and you're back in civilization.

Access: Drive about 5 miles east of Clayton or 15 miles southwest of Challis on ID-75, to the East Fork Salmon River Road (W5). Turn south, and after 9 miles turn left on the signed road to Herd Lake (W6). After 8 1/2 miles turn left for Herd Lake, and continue one more mile to the lake overlook, the trailhead. This road has had a checkered history, and it may reopen some day. If so, continue up to the campgrounds and park.