Peak 5780 (Mennecke Peak) by Erik Pohlmann

Elevation: 5,780 ft
Prominence: 280

This peak is not in the book. Erik Pohlmann has provided five route variations for reaching this peak which are set out below. For additional access information see the following website page: Danskin Mountains OHV Trails. Published May 2018

Livingston Douglas climbed the peak via the most direct route, the peak’s south ridge. Find his route at this link: South Ridge by Livingston Douglas

Additionally, this peak can be climbed as part of a three-peak ridge traverse that includes Peak 5913 (Cayuse Peak), Peak 5780 (Mennecke Peak), and Peak 6021 (Teetors Peak) found at this link: Cayuse-Mennecke–Teetors Traverse by Livingston Douglas

Mennecke Peak is located southeast of Danskin Peak on the main Danskin Mountains Crest. Mennecke Peak is difficult to access and therefore provides fantastic and adventurous solitude. Although not very high compared to some of its neighbors, it provides exceptional views into the southern portion of the range, of the Boise River Canyon, Smith Prairie, and the mighty Trinity Mountains. One should also highly consider climbing nearby Peak 5913 (Cayuse Peak) and Peak 6021 (Teetors Peak) during this trip. USGS Long Tom Reservoir

Northerly summit view towards the impressive Boise River SF Canyon, Smith Prairie, and the snow capped Trinity's. Notice the Danskin Southeast Ridge Trail#143A01 in the lower right of the photo.

Northerly summit view towards the impressive South Fork Boise River Canyon, Smith Prairie, and the snow capped Trinity Mountains. Notice the Danskin Southeast Ridge Trail (FST-143A01) in the lower right of the photo.

Southerly summit view towards snow capped Bennett Mountain in the background. Notice 5913' "Cayuse Peak" just left of center.

Southerly summit view towards snow-capped Bennett Mountain in the background. Notice Peak 5913 (Cayuse Peak) just left of center.

Mennecke Peak as seen from Danskin Peak to the north. The obvious ridge beginning at the left of the photo and spanning all the way to Mennecke Peak on the right is the beautiful Danskin Southeast Ridge and, in my opinion, makes for one of the best treks in the southern portion of the Danskins.

Routes

East Ridge, Class 2

Roundtrip: 8 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain.

Trailhead access: easy via nicely maintained FS-131.

Mountain bike-able: No.

Route finding: pretty easy, cross-country ridge following until reaching Danskin Southeast Ridge Trail (FST-143A01).

Thoughts: Can bag Peak 5913 (Cayuse Peak) along the way; views are fantastic.

East ridge GPS track

Danskin Southeast Ridge/Trail FST-143A01, Class 2

Roundtrip: 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

Trailhead access: medium difficulty via Danskin Lookout Road.

Mountain bike-able: yes, but with some hike-a-bike and an adventurous spirit.

Route finding: difficult until gaining the ridge; the maze of old roads and horse trails are faint to nonexistent in places and it’s extremely easy to follow the wrong one; study the USGS-marked roads carefully and pay close attention.

Thoughts: my favorite backcountry route in the southern portion of the range; views are stunning; route finding is an adventurous blast; solitude is magnificent.

Danskin Southeast Ridge Trail#143A01 GPS track

Jeffery-Goodale Cuttoff Oregon Trail/143A, Class 1

Roundtrip: 24 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain

Trailhead access: not bad via Danskin Lookout Road.

Mountain bike-able: definitely

Route finding: easy

Thoughts: following this old Indian path and wagon trail will leave a historical impression; it’s incredible what our ancestors endured; rarely visited; rugged desertscape is unique.