McDonald Peak (Blaine County, Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McDonald Peak |
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McDonald Peak at center from Galena Summit
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,068 ft (3,069 m) |
| Prominence | 828 ft (252 m) |
| Parent peak | Mount Cramer |
| Geography | |
 McDonald Peak
Location in Idaho
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| Parent range | Sawtooth Range |
| Topo map | USGS Snowyside Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Scrambling, class 3 |
McDonald Peak is a tall mountain in the beautiful Sawtooth Range of Idaho. It stands at 10,068 feet (3,069 m) above sea level, making it one of the notable peaks in the area. This peak is found in Blaine County, within the protected Sawtooth Wilderness and Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is located about 1.93 mi (3.11 km) southeast of Parks Peak. You can also find it southwest of Pettit Lake.
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Discover McDonald Peak
McDonald Peak is a majestic mountain that reaches high into the sky. It is part of the famous Sawtooth Range, known for its jagged, tooth-like peaks. Standing over 10,000 feet tall, it offers amazing views of the surrounding wilderness. This peak is a popular spot for adventurers who love to explore nature.
Where is McDonald Peak Located?
This impressive mountain is found in the state of Idaho, in the western United States. Specifically, it is in Blaine County. McDonald Peak is a key part of the Sawtooth Range, which is a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The Sawtooth Range is famous for its sharp, pointed peaks that look like saw teeth.
Sawtooth Wilderness and Recreation Area
McDonald Peak is located inside the Sawtooth Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place where nature is protected. It means there are no roads or buildings, and people can only visit by hiking or horseback riding. This helps keep the environment wild and natural.
The mountain is also part of the larger Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This area was created to protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. It offers many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. People from all over the world come to enjoy its stunning landscapes.
What Makes McDonald Peak Special?
McDonald Peak is known for its height and its location within a beautiful wilderness. It has a prominence of 828 feet. Prominence means how much a mountain sticks up from the land around it. It tells you how much of a "standalone" peak it is.
Its "parent peak" is Mount Cramer. A parent peak is a taller, more prominent mountain that a smaller peak is connected to. Think of it like a taller mountain that McDonald Peak is a "child" of, in terms of elevation.
How Do People Climb McDonald Peak?
The easiest way to reach the top of McDonald Peak is by a method called scrambling. Scrambling is a mix between hiking and rock climbing. It means you might need to use your hands to help you climb over rocks or steep sections, but you don't usually need special climbing gear like ropes.
The difficulty of the easiest route is rated as class 3. This rating comes from the Yosemite Decimal System, which describes how hard a climb is. A YDS 3 means it's a relatively easy scramble, but you still need to be careful and have good balance. It's a fun challenge for experienced hikers.
