White Clouds
Overview
As has been said in various guidebooks and even on a few websites, the stories of mishaps, and hardships stand on Castle Peak. It is a striking peak that dominates the White Clouds. The White Clouds are a proposed wilderness area that sits across from the Sawtooth's, and in between Ketchum & Stanley.There are over 25 lakes that are visable from the summit along with the Sawtooth's, Smokies, and even the Lost River Range.
Tom Lopez author of Idaho A Climbing Guide describes "Castle Peaks talus routes are in a class by themselves. They mix steepness with cliffs, talus with boulders, and present multiple route-finding difficulties"
I would say the standard route is Chamberlain Basin due to the realtive easy access, a class 3 scramble that involves plenty of route choices.
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Getting There
Take Highway 75 36 miles past Ketchum over Galena summit. Take a right on the Pole Valey Road2.4 Miles East Take Germania Creek Road
Follow this road for 6.8 Miles to the Pole Creek Summit
From here access FST-047 which will lead you to Chamberlain Basin.
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Red Tape
You will need to purchase a Sawtooth Recreation Area permit. It will cost $15 for an annual pass, or $5 for a 3-day pass.When To Climb
Usual climbing season is from June to September. Can be climbed year round, but Avalanches and access are a major concern |  |  |  |
Camping
Camping is allowed throughout the area. Best place to camp is in the Chamberlain Basin below the peak. Other parties will camp at Washington Lake, makes for a longer approach but it is a great place to camp alsoMountain Conditions
Sawtooth National Recreation Area 800-260-5970 can give general info but not climbing specific.The Stanley Ranger Station is a better resource but they are tougher to get a hold of.
208-774-3000
External Links
- Panoramas of the White Clouds
This page shows some great panoramas of the White Clouds and other mountains of Idaho
