Three Point Mountain

Overview

Three Point Mountain is a peak just east of Boise in the Danksin Mountains. The origin of peak's name is simple... it has three points nearly equal in height. While not an imposing mountain with sheer drop-offs, it is noticeable from several parts of town and obvious from the Interstate east of Boise. The terrain is so open that you could climb the peak from any direction.



From the peak, you have wonderful views in all directions. To the south is the Snake River Plain. To the west are Boise and the Treasure Valley. Northern views are of the Boise and Trinity Mountains. Views east take in the hilly terrain of the Danskin Mountains.

The peak is the furthest point south on a ridgeline that runs north to Kepros Mountain and Arrowrock reservoir. This ridgeline runs stays very near 5000 feet the whole way. IdahoKid will be adding a page for Kepros in the near future.

Since the Three Point Mountain is only about a 20-minute drive from Boise, has road access within 500 feet of the summit, and has terrain that is gentle in nature and very open -- Three Point makes for a perfect hike for beginners. I have taken several of my daughter's friends to the summit (even in winter) for their "first ascent" of a peak. The main route is only a 1.5 mile hike with a 800' gain.

There is some debate as to which of the three points is the highest. The northern most point has a USGS benchmark on it and is labeled "5324'". The middle point seems lower than the others. The southern point sports more benchmarks and even a wooden structure likely used as a triangulation station while the area was surveyed.

Getting There

Take the BLACKS CR. RD. EXIT 64. Turn north (left if coming in from Boise) onto E BLACKS CREEK RD. Follow E BLACKS CREEK RD for approximately 6.4 miles, where you will turn left (north) and continue on a improved dirt road to Blacks Creek Pass at 11 miles.

When to Hike

This peak can be climbed throughout the year. Spring is probably the best time of year, as the area is green and the air is cool. In the summer the temparatures will be fairly warm. Fall means brown and the possibility of being target practice for bird and deer hunters.

The road has been getting plowed during the winter the last couple of years. In the winter the route is safe from avalanches and fairly easy since the elevation gain is only about 600 feet.

Red Tape

No red tape on this peak. No permits are required, no private property to contend with, etc...

Camping

There are some campgrounds if you continue further down the Blacks Creek Road toward Pine, Idaho. The most popular is found 7 miles northeast of Blacks Creek Pass, where Willow Creek crosses the road.

External Links

Pin-point Weather Forecast for Three Point Mountain

My Idahosummit's Three Point Page

Mining near the Peak

Currently the peak is open to the public and in okay shape despite nearby mining activities. You can find minor scars from past mining, but more mining activities are about to get going in earnest though - very near the start of the most common route - so expect the landscape to reflect that and lookout for machinery on the drive in.

Images

View Three Point Mountain Image Gallery - 9 Images