One of my favorite ranges in the state is the Soldier Range near Fairfield, Idaho. So when I was coming up with peak ideas that were accessible by car and within 2 hours of Boise, this range came to mind. I had remembered North Smoky Dome (Peak 9937) from this winter on Cottonwood Peak. Since nobody had ever reported climbing this peak, I was on my own for finding a route. The route finding was easy, take the jeep trail up South Fork of Soldier Creek Canyon to the ridge leading directly west to North Smoky Dome.

Despite being late July and a hot weather pattern in place, it was very cool on the drive over. In fact, just below Windy Gap, it was 38 degrees. At the trailhead, it was windy and cool as well. I hurried to get going for warmth.

The trail up South Fork of Soldier Creek Canyon is now an ATV road. I was almost shocked to see 2 horseback riders and 2 backpackers, but 0 ATVs. The trail gained elevation slowly, but 1 hour and 1000 feet got me to my turnoff, the west ridge of North Smoky Dome.

The ridge was surprisingly narrow. On one side of the ridge was grass, the other deep forest. A game trail followed the crest of the ridge, mainly staying in the shade of the forest. The views were incredible. The flowers were in bloom. It was a perfect day!

As I progressed up the ridge, it became rocky in places. At around 9000 feet, it became predominantly rock. The trees were gone by 9400 feet, leaving just talus for the final 500 feet. Views of the basin below 1st, 2nd, and 3rd peaks to my south were stunning, but the towers and rocky area north of North Smoky Dome on my right were impressive as well.

I summitted, never being on rock that was that loose or terrain that was that steep, just typical class 2 terrain. The views were great, the Pioneers, Smokies, Boise, Sawtooth, and Trinities all in plain view. Even Castle Peak in the White Clouds was showing itself. Closer views of Smoky Dome and the Camas Prairie were desirable as well. I really hadn't noticed this peak much from the Camas Prairie or Magic Valley, but after I climbed it, it is visible from both (now that I know what I am looking for).

So what started as a mysterious peak and route, turned into a great day in the mountains. Plus I got to bag the second highest peak in my favorite mountain range in the process.

From US 20 in Fairfield, turn LEFT onto SOLDIER RD/CENTER ST. Follow the road 1.9 miles to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn RIGHT onto BASE LINE RD. Follow BASE LINE RD. 0.2 miles, then turn LEFT onto SOLDIER CREEK RD/NF 094. Continue to follow NF 094 to the ski lift parking lot. Go through the ski lift parking lot and drive for 1 mile on a great dirt road. Park on the left.

Follow the jeep trail shown in the South Fork of Soldier Creek drainage for 2.5 miles. Then head due west up the ridge leading to 9937.