Although this isn't a very spectacular summit, it is located on the Continental Divide and can be either a drive-up in the summer, or a ski-up in the winter. There are also possibilities to snowshoe up in the winter. Each of these options is summarized below. During our activation we hiked up the "Northern Approach". The activation zone for this summit is very large.
Northern Approach Directions (From Priest Pas)
2.24 miles, 1,223 feet – Best Approach for Snowshoeing
Turn north off Hwy-12 west of Helena and head north towards Priest Pass. The turnoff is directly opposite from the turnoff for Rimini and Tenmile Creek. Follow the Priest Pass road 6.0 miles to the pass summit. Park at the top of the pass. Note that it has been many years since I have driven up Priest Pass in the winter. Road conditions may vary and could be treacherous. 4wd and chains are advisable – I am not sure whether it is plowed.
Hike south along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) to the continental divide. Although this is likely within the activation zone, the true summit is 0.2 miles further north. A forest 2-track leads to within about 100 feet of the true summit.
If snowshoeing, be prepared for deep, soft snow while on the north facing forested ascent.
Southern Approach Directions (From MacDonald Pass – Frontier Town Parking Lot):
3.16 miles, +984 feet, -38 feet – Best Approach for Skiing
· Drive 5.7 miles west up Highwy-12 from the Tenmile/Rimini/Priest Pass junction west of Helena.
· Turn right into the Frontier Town McDonald Pass cross-country ski parking area just below the summit of McDonald Pass (on the East Side). Park here. This access is suitable for nearly all vehicles, all winter.
This is an excellent approach if using cross-country skis. Much of the approach to the summit is along groomed ski trails. Note that snowshoes and dogs are not welcome as they damage the groomed trails. Maps are available on-line (MacDonald Pass Cross-Country Ski Trails).
From the parking area, ski down the “Access Trail”, past the warming hut to the “Microwave Road”. Turn left (North) on the Microwave Road and follow it 1.1 km north, staying left at any junctions. The Microwave Road will turn sharply left and switchback up another 1.9 km to the Continental Divide, where the grooming ends. The summit is approximately another 1.0 km north along the ridge. Note that this portion of the trail is likely blown bare, with occasional drifts. It may be more practical to walk than to ski.
Drive-up Approach (5/16 – 10/14)
· Drive 5.3 miles west up MacDonald Pass on Highwy-12 from the Tenmile/Rimini/Priest Pass junction west of Helena.
· Turn right into the parking lot for the Highway Department maintenance housing, and continue on Forest Service Road 1802. Follow this road to the continental divide, past the radio communication sites to the summit. The road is suitable for most vehicles.
