Mount Church (Idaho) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Church
Mount Church and surrounding peaks
Highest point
Elevation	12,200 ft (3,700 m)
Prominence	920 ft (280 m)
Parent peak	Leatherman Peak
Geography
Mount Church Location in Idaho
Parent range	Lost River Range
Topo map	USGS Leatherman Peak
Climbing
Easiest route	Scramble, class 3

Mount Church is a very tall mountain in Idaho, reaching about 12,200 feet (3,700 m) into the sky. It's actually the third highest peak in the entire state! This impressive mountain is part of the Lost River Range and is located in Custer County. It sits within the beautiful Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Mount Church is quite close to other famous peaks. It's about 1.45 mi (2.33 km) southeast of Leatherman Peak, which is even taller. It's also only 0.65 mi (1.05 km) northwest of Donaldson Peak. Even though it's a major peak, Mount Church doesn't have an official name or measurement yet. However, many people call it "Mount Church" to honor Frank Church, who was a well-known Senator from Idaho.

Discovering Mount Church: Idaho's Tall Peak

Mount Church stands out as one of Idaho's highest mountains. Its elevation of 12,200 feet (3,700 m) makes it a significant landmark. This mountain is a key part of the Lost River Range, a long chain of mountains in central Idaho.

The peak is found in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This forest is a huge area of protected land. It's known for its wild beauty and many outdoor activities.

Where is Mount Church Located?

Mount Church is in Custer County, a large county in the middle of Idaho. This area is mostly wild and rugged. It has many high mountains and deep valleys.

The mountain is surrounded by other tall peaks. It's part of a group of high mountains that form the backbone of the Lost River Range. These peaks are popular for climbing and exploring.

Why "Mount Church"? The Naming Story

Mount Church is not its official name. It's an unofficial name given by people who explore and climb mountains. They often name peaks after important people or local features.

This mountain was named after Frank Church. He was a very important person in Idaho's history. He served as a Senator for Idaho for many years.

Who Was Frank Church?

Frank Church was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1924. He grew up to become a lawyer and then a politician. In 1956, he was elected to the United States Senate.

A Senator is a person who represents their state in the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. Senators help make laws for the whole country. Frank Church was known for his work on environmental protection and foreign policy. Naming a mountain after him is a way to remember his contributions.

Exploring the Lost River Range

Mount Church is just one of many amazing peaks in the Lost River Range. This mountain range stretches for about 75 miles (120 km) in central Idaho. It's one of the tallest mountain ranges in the state.

The Lost River Range is famous for its rugged beauty. It has deep canyons, high ridges, and stunning views. Many people visit this area for outdoor adventures.

What Can You Do in the Lost River Range?

The Lost River Range offers many activities for nature lovers. Hikers can explore trails that wind through forests and up to high mountain passes. Climbers challenge themselves on the steep slopes of peaks like Mount Church.

The area is also home to many types of wildlife. You might see deer, elk, or even mountain goats. It's a great place to experience Idaho's wild side.

Reaching the Top: Climbing Mount Church

Climbing Mount Church is a challenging adventure. The easiest way to reach the summit is by a route called "scrambling." Scrambling means you use both your hands and feet to climb over rocks and steep terrain.

The difficulty of this route is rated as class 3 on the Yosemite Decimal System. This means it's a challenging scramble that might involve some easy rock climbing moves. It's not a simple walk, and climbers need to be experienced and prepared.

Safety on the Mountain

Climbing mountains like Mount Church requires careful planning. Climbers need to be aware of the weather, which can change quickly. They also need to carry the right gear, like sturdy boots, warm clothes, and plenty of water.

It's always best to climb with experienced partners. Knowing how to stay safe in the wilderness is very important when exploring high peaks.