Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published April 2018

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Mount Sampson is a point on the long East Ridge of Cannon Ball Mountain. The shortest, and undoubtedly the easiest, route to reach Mount Sampson’s summit is from Cannon Ball Mountain. See the Cannon Ball Mountain page for route details to reach its summit via the Saddle Camp Route. From Cannon Ball Mountain’s summit, follow the trail down the East Ridge to Mount Sampson and then ascend Sampson’s West Ridge. You can also reach the summit from the Rapid River trailhead if you are looking for a massive elevation gain. Use the link below to read John Platt’s April 2018 trip report. USGS Heavens Gate

Mike Hays describes this route as follows:

“About 4 miles south of Riggins, turn west off US-95 onto Rapid River Road. Continue for less than 3 miles to the Rapid River Fish Hatchery and the trailhead. Hike the trail along the Rapid River for less than 1 mile to a fork. Take the right fork and hike up Thorn Gulch, then over the ridge to Blue Gulch. The trail then climbs the South Ridge, which is the main East Ridge of Cannon Ball Mountain. This trail rises approximately 5,000 feet over 6 miles. Parts of the trail are very faint or even missing, so be prepared for some difficult hiking in some very rugged terrain.”