Hiking, camping and sightseeing in Idaho’s White Cloud Peaks is an enjoyable way to spend a day or more in the central recreation area of the state. When this unique part of Idaho is on your family vacation itinerary, include this location as a gift.
Traveling northwest between the cities of Ketchum and Stanley, Idaho State Route 75 skirts Sawtooth National Forest to the west and Salmon-Challis National Forest to the east. To get your bearings, stop by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area office at 5 North Canyon Road in Ketchum and pick up a map or two. A downloadable map and information can be found on the Boulder-White Clouds Council website at wildwhiteclouds.org/theplace1.html
Along this route, dozens of streams that rise from the surrounding mountain ranges join the flow of the mighty Salmon River, the river of no return. The mountain pass at over 8,700 feet from Galena Summit has an overlook with parking and restrooms. You’ll want to stop to stretch your legs and take in the incredible view across the vast valley to the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Continuing on, you will travel up the mountain road into the beauty of Sawtooth Valley between the small towns of Smiley Creek and Obsidian. Just before Obsidian, keep an eye out for the 4th of July highway heading east of the highway towards the ghostly White Cloud Peaks. Fittingly, the trail follows Four of July Creek for 10 miles to the trailhead near Blackman Peak. This area suffered a serious fire in September 2005, but has recovered fairly well.
The road is a washboard, but traveling carefully in a high-hub 2-wheel drive vehicle equipped with off-road tires will suffice. The best is the four-wheel drive. From the trailhead, a number of day hikes and longer hikes can be taken. A popular day hike for families and beginners is the mile-and-a-half hike to Four of July Lake.
Campsites are available on each side of the picturesque lake or in more secluded areas nearby. The trout in Four of July Lake tend to drift close to shore, if fishing is on your mind. Head to the lake entrance to watch for the deer that often congregate in the large meadow, and keep an eye out for mountain goats at nearby Patterson Peak.
This area is covered with mountain heather and other wildflowers in the summer months.
You can hike from this point to other areas dotted with alpine lakes and spectacular mountain views. Lake Washington is just over a mile from Lake Four of July. The trail goes up 200 feet or so then drops a similar amount to the lake. Fishing is easier and often good on Lake Washington. Try to find a camping spot other than the more popular sites near the mouth of the lake.
There are over 100 alpine lakes spread throughout the White Cloud Peaks location. Many still lack names. Other named lakes and points of interest include:
- Ant Basin and Ant Basin Split
- black man’s peak
- Boulder Chain Lakes
- lakes born
- Castle Divide and Castle Peak
- champion lakes
- David O’Lee Peak
- heart lake
- lake phillis
- Six Lakes Basin
The White Cloud area is a popular hiking spot with easy to moderately difficult trails. It’s picturesque, with the alabaster-hued White Cloud Peaks the ever-present background. Bring your camera, your own water, good camping food, and plan to spend a night or more camping along your chosen route.