Miller Peak via Miller Creek Canyon

Miller Peak with the ridge I hiked to gain the summit in snow and slanting to the right.

At the end of January, I went on a snowshoe outing up Miller Creek on a sunny day. I had a goal, but mostly was just out to explore. The goal wasn't reached, but I caught the above view of Miller Peak and it's west ridge. I immediately thought that I'd like to give it a go, as the drivable route up, which zigzags from the south (on the right in the picture) and then reaches the summit from the east, is boring. The west ridge route is nice, provides solitude and great views, and is accessible from Miller Creek Road. However, it took me two tries to get to the summit using this route. On the first, I was cutting it close for time and the snow was unconsolidated, so the going was slow and strenuous during the last 2000 feet. I turned around about 1/2 mile from the summit, but with a snowshoe track set most of the way up, I returned a couple of days later and reached the summit. This is a nice local outing, though the deep, unconsolidated snow made the route more challenging than expected. 

Upper Miller Creek with the northern Bitterroot giants St. Joseph, Sweeney, and Lolo in the background.

A closeup. 

Pudge on the summit.

Another.