Alpine Meadow

by Robert Bales

Title

Alpine Meadow

Artist

Robert Bales

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

Anyone camping near Lake Cascade needs to take this drive up this great mountain road. We did it in our SUV without any trouble. You well find places like this and many wildflowers along with some wildlife. This on is taken at the top of Snowbank Mountain next to the FAA Radar Station.
The drive up Snowbank was uncomplicated, following NF-446 all the way to its end. This was our first time on one of Idahos many National Forest Service roads, and it was not nearly as rough as we had feared. Not all the NFS roads are as well maintained, particularly as you get away from population centers. But NF-446, while unpaved, was smooth and easily large enough for two vehicles.

We started our ascent in the morning, and enjoyed spectacular views of Cascades Long Valley awakening to vibrant life in the strengthening sunlight. The scene from the top of Snowbank Mountain was magnificent. We passed by an FAA Radar Station and parked next to an antenna tower where we took in a panoramic view which stretched out over Lake Cascade, extending for miles in every direction.
Snowbank Mountain is a large twin-summited mountain in the West Mountains of Idaho. At 8322 ft. it is also the highest in the range. Its two summits house a radar facility operated by the FAA. Because of that there is an excellently maintained road all the way to the top of both summits. The road is in such good shape that passenger cars can easily make it to the top of the mountain.
Even though not incredibly high for an Idaho Mountain Snowbank still manages to come in #29 on the Idaho prominance list with 3080 ft. of elevation gain from valley to summit! This alone makes it a worthy goal!
Two mountain lakes are just below the summit to the East, Lost Lake and Hidden Lake at the head of Moore's Creek. To the West is the Lake Gabe's Bathtub and Wilson Meadows.
The two summits of Snowbank Mountain are quite different in appearence especially when viewed from the East in Long Valley. From the valley floor only the eastern and shorter summit is visible in most places. This summit is sharper and more dramatic than its rounded and higher western neighbor.
This area of Idaho is known for its massive amounts of snowfall in the winter and is famous for its winter recreation. There are miles of groomed snowmobile and ski trails throughout the area and a number of ski resorts including Tamarack and Brundage Mountain. Snowbank receives its fair share of snow in the winter and snow remains on the peak often til late in the year.
Although the easiest route to the summit is a drive up the view is still quite rewarding. From the top the rest of the West Mountains, the Seven Devils, and much of the Salmon River Mountains, including the Lick Creek Range near McCall, are visible. The View of the Long Valley and the North Fork of the Payette River is also quite nice. The problem with it being a drive up summit is that it can be quite crowded because it is so accessible. There is also of course the large and ugly radar facility on top. Even with those factors it is still a fun mountain to come to and explore.

Uploaded

August 13th, 2013

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