White Clouds Wilderness

White Clouds Wilderness is a protected mountain area in the Salmon-Challis National Forest in central Idaho, featuring jagged granite peaks, high alpine lakes, and deep glacial valleys. The terrain rises steeply with elevations exceeding 9,000 feet (2,700 m) throughout the region.

Native American tribes hunted and gathered across these lands for centuries before official protection arrived. The wilderness designation came in 2015, formally recognizing the region's ecological value.

The wilderness status protects the land in its natural state, allowing visitors to experience mountains and forests without roads or developed facilities. People value this place for its ability to offer genuine solitude in the backcountry.

Hundreds of miles of trails wind through the area at various difficulty levels, with main access points near the town of Challis. Plan for changeable mountain weather and bring proper gear for high elevation hiking.

The Big Boulder Lakes basin holds several alpine lakes above 9,000 feet (2,700 m), home to native trout populations rarely found elsewhere in the region. These remote waters require determination to reach but reward the effort.

Location: Idaho

Inception: August 7, 2015

GPS coordinates: 44.05500,-114.60694

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42