Beaverdam Peak

Overview

Ghost trees on approach

Beaverdam Peak is a great looking pyramid at the top of Lick Creek summit. It is quite close to the road and only 1650' above, so it is a relatively easy climb. But it is also very rugged. And it offers tremendous views of the Lick Creek range from its summit.
Like much of the area around McCall, the approach to Beaverdam goes through the burn from a huge fire in the mid-1990's. But the fires skipped around a lot, so there are green trees standing amidst the skeletons of those that burned. 

Getting There

First, get to McCall. Either take Highway 55 north for about 100 miles from Boise, or come south from Riggins and New Meadows. From downtown McCall, take the Lick Creek road, also signed as the turn for Ponderosa State Park. Turn right after the golf course, then take another right off the pavement (signed) in about three miles.
From downtown McCall, it is about 23 miles to Lick Creek Summit. There is room for several vehicles to pull off the road. 

View south- Snowslide Peak and Slick Rock

The road can be rough, but it's generally passable for any vehicle.
The McCall area gets lots of winter snow, so the roads to access this peak are closed from roughly late November until early to mid-June. Also, this is a popular big-game hunting area. Check before you head out. 

Note that there are no trails here. Use a map and compass, a GPS, or follow your nose. There are two obvious lines from this parking spot: the right ridge (easier) or the left (slightly harder). Neither is more than Class 3, with the crux being the mix of rocks and stunted trees right below the summit- they can present a dense tangle. There are lots of other options, including some sweet-looking slabs that are probably low 5th class.

Red Tape

None.

Camping

The closest official campground that is worth anything is the Lake Fork Creek campground, about 10 miles before the summit. The campground is quite nice (although primitive), but also quite popular. Normal Forest Service fees etc. apply.

The map shows a Black Lee campground, but it's mostly just a dirt pull-out, and not recommended.

However, there are numerous unofficial campsites along Lake Fork Creek.

Or you can stay in McCall at either one of the many hotels, or try Ponderosa State Park (usually requires reservations).

External Links

Payette national Forest
City of McCall
Splattski trip report
Brundage Mountain web cams (including McCall)
Idaho road conditions

For additional information on this climb and other peaks in the area, please see Tom Lopez's excellent book, Idaho: A Climbing Guide

Weather