Mount Democrat is seen from the northeast slopes of Mount Buckskin. Isolated Lake Emma can be barely seen (center) cradled in a bowl on the mountain's south slopes. Great climbs lure the climber in the form ofthe Southeast Ridge (right foreground) and the Southwest Ridge (left), but both routes, along with the standard route are under current controversy. Mining claim owners have declared the mountain off limits, along with its neighbors Cameron, Lincoln and Bross, citing "vandalism" of mining structures and liability in injuries involving their claims. The situation is currently being negotiated by a number of groups in the hope a viable legal solution can be reached. Photo taken August 20, 2005.

Digital photo by Aaron Johnson