| Hiking, camping and sightseeing in Idaho's White | | | | Peak. This area suffered a severe fire in |
| Cloud Peaks is a pleasant way to spend a day or | | | | September 2005, but has recovered fairly well. |
| more in the state's central recreation area. When | | | | The road is a washboard, but careful travel in a |
| this unique part of Idaho is on your family | | | | high-centered, 2-wheel drive vehicle equipped with |
| vacation itinerary, include this location for a treat. | | | | backcountry tires will suffice. Four-wheel drive is |
| Traveling northwest between the towns of | | | | best. From the trailhead, a series of day hikes and |
| Ketchum and Stanley, Idaho State Route 75 | | | | longer excursions can be undertaken. A popular |
| borders the Sawtooth National Forest to the | | | | day hike for families and beginners is the mile and |
| west and the Salmon-Challis National Forest to the | | | | one-half trek into Fourth of July Lake. |
| east. To get your bearings, stop by the Sawtooth | | | | Campsites are available on each side of the |
| National Recreation Area office at 5 North Canyon | | | | picturesque lake or in more secluded areas |
| Road in Ketchum and pick up a map or two. A | | | | nearby. The trout in Fourth of July Lake tend to |
| downloadable map and information can be found | | | | cruise near the shore, if fishing is on your mind. |
| on the website for the Boulder-White Clouds | | | | Head up the inlet of the lake to get a look at |
| Council at wildwhiteclouds.org/theplace1.html | | | | deer that usually congregate in the large meadow, |
| Along this route, scores of creeks born in the | | | | and keep an eye out for mountain goats on |
| surrounding mountain ranges add to the flow of | | | | close-by Patterson Peak. |
| the mighty Salmon River, the River of No Return. | | | | This area is covered with mountain heather and |
| The mountain pass at over 8,700-foot Galena | | | | other wildflowers in the summer months. |
| Summit has an overlook with parking and | | | | You can hike from this point into other areas |
| restrooms. You will want to stop to stretch your | | | | dotted with alpine lakes and spectacular mountain |
| legs and to admire the incredible view across the | | | | vistas. Washington Lake is just over a mile from |
| vast valley to the rugged, snow-crowned peaks | | | | Fourth of July Lake. The trail climbs 200 feet or |
| of the Sawtooth Mountains. | | | | so and then drops a like amount down to the |
| Moving on, you will travel down the mountain | | | | lake. Fishing is easier and often good at |
| highway into the beauty of the Sawtooth Valley | | | | Washington Lake. Try to find camping in a location |
| between the small towns of Smiley Creek and | | | | other than the most popular sites close to the |
| Obsidian. Just before Obsidian, keep an eye out | | | | lake outlet. |
| for Fourth of July Road heading east of the | | | | There are well over 100 alpine lakes scattered |
| highway toward the ghostly White Cloud Peaks. | | | | throughout the White Cloud Peaks location. Many |
| Appropriately, the road follows Fourth of July | | | | still lack names. |
| Creek for 10 miles to the trailhead near Blackman | | | | |