Piquett Mountain, Southern Bitterroots

Dan, I, and Todd  enjoying the incomparable view. Trapper (right), Boulder (center), Bare (center left), and Jerusalem (left). Photo by Bryan Kercher.

Many Missoulians and Bitterroot Valley residents have climbed Trapper Peak in the southern Bitterroots -- after all, it's the highest peak in the range -- and many more (maybe even most) know about it. Far less are aware of the other Bitterroot Range giants in the area: Mount Jerusalem, the Bare Peaks, and the Boulder Peaks. Just across the West Fork of the Bitterroot River (and road) from these great peaks is another giant of the area, Piquett Mountain. Piquett is slightly lower (at 8831 feet) and is in somewhat gentler country, from which it inherits its character. However, it's the highest peak for miles south of Trapper, making it the best promontory from which to view the great cluster of summits, mentioned above, that make up the southern boundary of the Bitterroot Range. Piquett's isolation also gives it high prominence (>2000 feet), which is why it was on my radar. It also means that Piquett can be seen from far down the Bitterroot Valley and even as far north as the Mission Mountains (Dan Saxton identified it from Calowahcan last summer). 

Dan had mentioned that he might organize a Rocky Mountaineers trip to Piquett when we climbed Three Lakes Peak back in January. I told him I'd be keen to go when he did. Fortune smiled this Saturday, as Dan planned a trip for the Rocky Mountaineers, the weather was perfect, and I was able to join. It's a long drive to Piquett: turn up the West Fork of the Bitterroot Road a few miles past Darby and drive about 20 miles to Painted Rocks Reservoir. Once you're at the Reservoir, take your first left and drive about a mile on dirt to the trailhead. The hike to the summit is about 5 miles by trail. It was a great day with good company.

The photos below are first by Bryan Kercher and then by Dan Saxton. 

Our group. Photo Bryan Kercher.

That's Pudge and I nearing the summit. Photo Bryan Kercher.

Dan Saxton. Photo Bryan Kercher.

Alden Wright nearing the summit with the Bitterroot Valley hazy in the distance.

Pudge and the group. Dan Saxton photo

North Ridge to Piquett. Dan Saxton Photo.

Boulder Peaks and Trapper. Dan Saxton photo.

Southern flank of the Bitterroot Range. Dan Saxton photo.

South ridge of Piquett. Dan Saxton photo. 

Obligatory Pudge shot by Dan Saxton.