Picket Mountain - 8172 feet

John and I got out last Saturday for a little 16 mile hike up the South Fork of the Payette River.  We started at the Grandjean trail head a little after 8AM ,with a goal of hiking up to Picket Mountain.  It was a beautiful morning, a bit cold but no wind, and we moved quickly up the well worn trail to stay warm.  We were on the summit by 12:30 enjoying the eye popping scenery!  Though the peak was a straightforward walk up, the views more than made up for the lack of technical difficulty.

Excellent butt shot of John while he precariously crosses Baron Creek

We shivered in the cold shade, while gazing longingly at the sunshine.

Ahhh, feeling warmer now!

Only to have to cross the South Fork of the Payette River.  Our feet felt like large blocks of stone by the time we got to the opposite bank

As we started gaining some altitude, Grandjean Peak came into view

We were in snow at around 6800 feet on the north facing slopes

Grandjean Peak with Baron Peak poking up on the right

The trail split at the saddle

All snow from here to the summit.  Up to 12" deep too!

One of the Rakers

Headwaters of the South Fork of the Payette River from the summit

Heading back down in the sunshine

Matchsticks!

One last look up the SF Payette drainage