The Boulder-White Cloud Mountains:
Idaho at its Best

It's a land where Idaho's sparkling rivers are born. It's a place where generations have enjoyed the solitude and freedom that comes from hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.

For the new information on our work for the Boulder-White Clouds, please check the latest update.

When a mining company proposed a large molybdenum mine at Castle Peak in the 1960s, Idahoans suddenly realized the rugged and eternal beauty of the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains was fragile.

And so began an almost 40-year effort to protect the area for future generations. The Idaho Conservation League is working with people from throughout Idaho to preserve this special place. We support Representative Mike Simpson's locally driven plan to designate Wilderness in the Boulder-White Clouds and protect important winter habitat for deer and elk and clean water for trout, salmon — and people.

Wilderness will protect the headwaters of four of Idaho's free-flowing rivers. The bill would protect these mountains from the noise and disturbance of machines and end the threat of future mining.

Please join Idaho Conservation League in protecting this majestic corner of Idaho for our selves, for future Idahoans — and for all Americans.

Look at these gorgeous mountains for yourself - visit our gallery for interactive panoramic views.

Businesses support the Boulder White Clouds

More than 150 Idaho businesses voiced their support for preserving the Boulder White-Clouds as Wilderness. This is not only because hunting guides and sporting goods stores profit by selling goods and services to visitors. Increasingly, people realize that Wilderness Areas are part of a special setting that makes people want to live and invest here. Read the Sonoran Institute study for more information.

Learn more about Boulder-White Clouds

Where are the Boulder-White Clouds?

The Boulder-White Clouds are located in the heart of central Idaho. They are public land, managed by the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

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Lay of the Land

The Boulder-White Clouds are as rugged as they are beautiful, characterized by alpine lakes in glacial basins.

The valleys leading to the lakes are forested, with open meadows covered by wildflowers along the way. The highlands of the eastern White Clouds contain sweeping sagebrush hills over 9,000 feet with beautiful vistas, while the deep valleys provide outstanding wildlife habitat.

Snow pack from the Boulder-White Clouds form the headwaters of four of Idaho's famous rivers:

  • East Fork of the Salmon
  • North Fork of the Big Lost
  • Big Wood River
  • North Fork of the Big Wood River

There are more than 150 peaks over 10,000 feet above sea level in the Boulder-White Clouds. The highest, Castle Peak, rises 11,800 feet.

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Fish

Mountain lakes and rivers of these mountains provide outstanding fish habitat, delighting anglers. Salmon fight their way 900 miles upstream from the ocean to spawn here. Species include:

  • Brook trout
  • Cutthroat trout
  • Golden trout
  • Arctic grayling
  • Rainbow trout
  • Bull trout
  • Steelhead
  • Chinook salmon

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Wildlife

In autumn, a herd of 300-500 elk can be found in the eastern White Clouds near Herd Creek and East Pass Creek. Hunters, photographers and others also enjoy mule deer, black bear, bighorn sheep and mountain goat. Rare predators like gray wolves and cougar can be glimpsed here. Birders seek rarities like northern goshawk, flammulated owls, and a wide variety of songbirds that migrate from the tropics to nest here.

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Recreation

People enjoy the Boulder-White Clouds in many ways. These include:

  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Horseback riding
  • Horse-packing
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife and wildflower viewing
  • Snow-shoeing
  • X-country skiing
  • Backcountry skiing
  • Photography
  • Bird watching
  • Sightseeing

People who enjoy these activities treasure the feeling of freedom and solitude that comes from being in the wilderness. Under our plan, that freedom and solitude is protected under the Wilderness Act. Our plan leaves existing roads to provide access to the heart of the Wilderness. Dirt-bike riding, mountain biking, and snowmobile opportunities will be available in less sensitive areas nearby, but outside the wilderness boundaries.

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How do I get there?

One of the unique characteristics of the Boulder-White Clouds is that trails are easily accessible by car. In some places trailheads are only a couple miles from the alpine lakes and high peaks, providing great opportunities for families with elders or small children.

Also, about 150 miles of roads provide access to present trailheads. The diverse and rugged landscape provides the peace, quiet and solitude many people seek.

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For more information contact Linn Kincannon or call 208.726.7485.