Every peakbagger has a list, even if only in their memory, of summits they’ll never return to. Real bastards that sucked so bad for one reason or multiple, that it’s just not worth ever revisiting. This is my list. Note that I have a relatively high tolerance for suck; meaning, if something makes my list it’s probably a real shitburger.
Idaho
Hill 4180
I approached this one from the north via some of the softest (re: moondust) forest service roads I’ve ever been on. The road walk was steep but fine, once I left the road and began the shwack uphill it revealed itself to be the thickest, shittiest bushwhack in memory. So thick, I contemplated bailing. Fuck hill 4180.
Teaken Butte
Tucked way back within a logging area, the hike up to this thing wasn’t difficult but it was ugly. Just a lifeless landscape with no redeeming view. The true summit itself is unnattainable, as it’s on fenced & posted private land. SOTA-wise, I was able to squeeze up against the fence at one point and be within the AZ (according to SOTAgoat). Not worth the squeeze.
Washington
Paradise Peak
This was a six-point, unactivated peak that looked to have some easy forest road access. Maps can be deceiving. The hike up the side of the hill to this was some of the steepest terrain I’ve encountered. At the top it was treed in (no views) and swarming with awful flying bugs (June). I hated every step of it.