| Silver Run Peak Mountain/Rock |
Contribute  Loading... Geography Parents Loading... Mountains & Rocks
| Silver Run Peak   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Montana, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 45.12110°N / 109.5444°W Elevation: 12542 ft / 3823 m | Page By: Brice Neugebauer Created/Edited: May 11, 2004 / Mar 17, 2005 Object ID: 152611 Hits: 4173 Loading... Page Score: 89.24% - 15 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
-
Silver Run Peak and the West Fork Rock Creek valley from Whitetail Peak - August 2004
Submitted by a bakcast
Overview
At 12,542 feet, Silver Run Peak is the last of six summits in Montana over 12,500 feet. This peak is the culmination of the expansive Silver Run plateau which extends for eight miles to the East and four miles to the North-East from the summit proper. The scenic Timberline Creek Valley begins just NE of the summit and bisects the Silver Run plateau into two distinct arms, both of which have several lesser peaks and extend for great distances above 10,000 feet.
Silver Run Peak is usually approached from Sundance Pass as described in the "Getting There" section. Other possible walk-up routes can be made accross the Silver Run Plateau from the East or North East. Good technical routes can be found along the walls of the West Fork of Rock Creek Valley on the West side of the peak.
Getting There
Silver Run Peak is located in the Beartooth range of South-Central Mountana. As with Whitetail Peak, primary access to Silver Run is via the Sundass Pass trail. Two trailheads exist, and hiking from one to the other makes for an enjoyable 2-3 day trip (if you have two vehicles or don't mind hitchhiking).
WEST FORK ROCK CREEK TRAILHEAD
From the south side of Red Lodge Montana, turn West off of highway 212 and follow the road heading WSW across the plain and into the Rock Creek Valley. Follow the valley for 15-16 miles to the end of the road. This is the Trailhead leading up the West Fork of Rock Creek. The Rock Creek valley is popular for fishing, and several good camping areas can be found along the road leading from Red Lodge to the trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the path leading along the North side of the West Fork. After 7.5 miles you will reach tree line and a sturdy bridge across to the South side of Rock Creek. From here the trail climbs up a long series of switchbacks to reach Sundance Pass after an additional 1.5 miles.
LAKE FORK TRAILHEAD
From the south side of Red Lodge, Montana, follow highway 212 South for approximately 11 miles. Before passing Black Pyramid Mountain, turn right onto the well-maintained road which leads past several cabins and into the Lake Fork Valley. Follow this road for 2 miles to the trailhead. A footbridge crosses Lake Fork Creek just beyond the end of the road to join the trail on the Creek's south side. This trail follows the Lake Fork, passing by September Morn Lake near tree line after 8.5 miles. Sundance pass is another 2.0 miles from September Morn Lake.
Red Tape
Silver Run Peak is located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Custer National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District. No fees are required to climb or camp. You are requested to check in with the Beartooth Ranger Station in Red Lodge or call (406) 446-2103 before climbing or camping (although most people do not bother). You must have a permit to cut live trees for firewood. No mechanized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area.
When To Climb
Summer climbing season is short in Montana. Late July through early September are the months that are most snow-free. However, expect some snow on the mountain any time of the year. Expect any type of weather any time of the year. Violent thunderstorms are a common daily occurance. Get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Storms develop very fast and tend to come from the south or west.
Silver Run Peak can be climbed in the winter from highway 212. The road up the lake fork valley is closed approximately 0.5 miles from highway 212 in the winter. You are advised to contact the Beartooth Ranger Station at (406) 446-2103 for the latest conditions and road closure information.
Camping
Camping is allowed anywhere within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. You are requested to check in with the Beartooth Ranger Station in Red Lodge or call (406) 446-2103 before camping (although most people do not bother). You must have a permit to cut live trees for firewood.
Most parties choose to climb Silver Run Peak in two days, camping on either the SE side of Sundass Pass near September Morn Lake, or on the NW side in the bottom of the West Rock Creek valley. Remember, Leave No Trace, and as always in bear country, hang your food well away from camp at night.
Mountain Conditions
Contact the Beartooth Ranger Station at (406) 446-2103 for the latest mountain conditions.
red_lodge.MT Conditions and Forecast
red_lodge.MT Weather Conditions and Forecast
Miscellaneous Info
-
Images
|
|
