Cold Mountain

Cold Mountain is a summit in Idaho's Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, inside the Krassel Ranger District of the Payette National Forest. The nearest town is Big Creek, about 20 miles away. That distance places the peak deep in one of the largest wilderness areas in the country, so a visit means planning for remote backcountry travel rather than a quick stop off a paved road. Because the summit sits within designated wilderness, wilderness rules apply alongside the Payette National Forest's own regulations. Several destinations lie within a few miles. Cottonwood Creek and Coyote Spring are nearby hikes. Cold Meadows Airfield, a campground about 2.6 miles away, offers a place to stay. Cold Mountain Ridge, a hike roughly 3.4 miles off, shares its name with the peak and makes a natural companion outing.