Mount Everly

Location: Southwestern portion of the Sawtooth Range, at the head of the Queens River. At about 12 miles back, this peak is one of the furthest back in the range from a trailhead.

Nearby Peaks: Plummer Peak, Arvals Peak, Elk Peak, Scenic Peak, Nahneke Mountain, Browns Peak, East Warrior, Blizzard Mountain, Greylock Mountain

Linkups:  None

Difficulty:  Class 3 scrambling - mostly steep open slopes with 1 major band of rocks to ascend

Usage: Hikers, Backpackers, Horses, Fishermen on approach trails

Terrain:  Broad open slopes of scree, with some solid rock bands to climb through. Higher up the scree becomes talus and the going is slower and more deliberate

Traffic:  Very light

Summit Register:  Yes

History / Etymology:  Unknown

Nearest Paved Roads:  ID-21  (from Boise via Edna Creek this drive is about 2.5 hrs)

Nearest Dirt Roads / Conditions:  China Basin/ Queens River Road (decent- usually passable without 4WD), Middle Fork of Boise River (Good), Swanholm Peak Road (Good), North Fork Boise River Road (Good), Edna Creek Road (Good)

Approach Trails / Conditions:  Queens River Trail- has some seasonal downfall and overgrowth. In addition there are many stream crossings.  This approach trail requires much work, but it provides great scenary.

Routes

Main Route: South Slopes (Class 3+)- Follow the Queens River Trail and near the 7430 contour leave the trail and follow the side stream east to a point below the south slopes. Ascend the south slopes directly. Near 9000 feet there is a large rock band.  There are several slots to avoid vertical rock.  Once above the rock band there are large talus fields. Either climb directly up steep scree slopes to the summit or ascend to the west ridge and follow that to the summit.  The short west ridge offers some great views over a massive drop off.

Main Route Stats:  20.3 miles / 6068 (round trip)

Average RT Time:  7-10 hours

Route Stats:  24.2 miles / 5908 feet (round trip)

Alt Route:  East Face (Class 3)- Ascend from Everly Lake (see Lopez)

Other Routes:  Southeast Slopes (Class 2-3)- this route is between the East Face and the South Slopes Route (see Lopez) 

 

Red Tape

Jurisdiction:  Sawtooth National Forest

Permit:  Yes- self registration at trailhead

Other Users / Issues:  None- long approach drive keeps this area relatively traffic free

Maps:  USGS Quad- Mt Everly

Guide Book:  Tom Lopez,  Idaho: A Climbing Guide

When To Climb

Climbing Season:  June - Nov

Ideal Climbing Time:  July-Oct

Nearest Weather Station:  Atlanta, Smiley Creek

Weather Relative to Region:  The trailhead is lower in elevation than much of the region and it similar to the Grandjean trailhead.  Expect slightly warmer and drier conditions.

Camping

Car Camping Sites:  Queens River CG, Riverside CG, Camp Gulch CG

Backpacking Sites:  Above Average- Everly Lake, Plummer Lake- tons of other unnamed lakes!

Flora & Fauna

Potential Wildlife:  Badger, Beaver, Black Bear, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Cougar, Coyote, Elk, Marmot, Marten, Moose, Mountain Goat, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Grouse

Confirmed Wildlife: Elk, Marmot, Pika, Grouse, Mule Deer

Vegetation:  Ponderosa, Lodgepole, Engelman Spruce

Images

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