About White Clouds Wilderness Area
Idaho is home to some of the newest Wilderness in the nation including the beautiful Boulder-White Clouds complex of central Idaho. These protected areas, designated in August 2015, preserve approximately 276,000 acres of high mountain backcountry with crystal lakes and abundant wildlife. The BLM manages 450 acres in the White Clouds Wilderness. This mountainous and dry area features hiking, fishing, hunting, and equestrian use, as well as opportunities to just get away and enjoy some solitude, great vistas and the natural environment with minimal impacts. Little Boulder Creek Trailhead is located 20 miles down East Fork Road. The trail traverses the White Clouds Wilderness Boundary along Little Boulder Creek before entering the wilderness into the scenic Chain Lakes area. The trail located outside of the wilderness is open to single track motorized and non-motorized use. Group sizes in the wilderness are limited to 12 people. The combined number of recreational stock is limited to 14 head of stock.
How to Get There
Access the White Clouds Wilderness from the Little Boulder Recreation Site, about 35 miles southeast of Challis, Idaho. From Challis, travel south on Highway 93 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 75 and travel approximately 17 miles to the East Fork Salmon River Road. Turn left onto the East Fork Road, and travel another 20 miles. The Little Boulder Recreation Site will be on the left side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to White Clouds Wilderness Area
Heading to White Clouds Wilderness Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for White Clouds Wilderness Area?
No central reservation system listed for White Clouds Wilderness Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14925) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to White Clouds Wilderness Area?
Access the White Clouds Wilderness from the Little Boulder Recreation Site, about 35 miles southeast of Challis, Idaho. From Challis, travel south on Highway 93 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 75 and travel approximately 17 miles to the East Fork Salmon River Road. Turn left onto the East Fork Road, and travel another 20 miles. The Little Boulder Recreation Site will be on the left side of th…
How do I contact White Clouds Wilderness Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-879-6200 or email: BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
