White Cloud Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Cloud Mountains |
|
|---|---|
White Cloud Mountains
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Castle Peak |
| Elevation | 11,815 ft (3,601 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 25 mi (40 km) N/S |
| Width | 32 mi (51 km) E/W |
| Area | 461 sq mi (1,190 km2) |
| Geography | |
 White Cloud Mountains
Location in Idaho
|
|
| Country | United States |
| Parent range | Rocky Mountains |
The White Cloud Mountains are a beautiful mountain range in central Idaho, United States. They are part of the larger Rocky Mountains and are located southeast of a town called Stanley. These mountains are special because they are inside the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) and also partly within the Cecil D. Andrus–White Clouds Wilderness.
The White Cloud Mountains are on land managed by the National Forest. This means there are many trails for hiking and exploring. You can even camp almost anywhere in the national forest area, and there are no fees to enter. The easiest way to get to these mountains is by driving on State Highway 75. This road is also known as the Salmon River Scenic Byway and follows the Salmon River along the edge of the mountains.
The tallest point in the White Cloud Mountains is Castle Peak. It stands very tall at 11,815 ft (3,601 m). To the west of the White Clouds, across the river and highway, are the Sawtooth Mountains, about twenty miles (32 km) away. The Boulder Mountains are right to the south of the White Clouds.
Exploring the Peaks
The White Cloud Mountains have many amazing peaks. The highest and most famous is Castle Peak. It's named for its shape, which looks a bit like a giant castle! Many people enjoy hiking to the top of these peaks to see incredible views.
Some other notable peaks in the range include:
Hiking these peaks can be a fun adventure, but some routes are more challenging than others.
Beautiful Lakes
The White Cloud Mountains are home to many clear, sparkling lakes. These lakes are often found in high mountain valleys, created by glaciers long ago. They are perfect for fishing, photography, or just enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery. You can find a full list of these lakes at List of lakes of the White Cloud Mountains.
Protecting the Mountains
Back in 1970, there was a big discussion about whether to build a large mine in the White Cloud Mountains. This mine would have dug up the land to get minerals. The idea became a major topic in Idaho's election for governor that year.
The governor at the time, Don Samuelson, thought the mine would bring a lot of money to the state. However, his opponent, Cecil Andrus, strongly believed the mountains should be protected. He wanted to keep them natural for everyone to enjoy. Many people who loved visiting the mountains agreed with Andrus.
Cecil Andrus won the election. Many people believe his promise to protect the White Cloud Mountains helped him win, especially in cities where many people enjoyed vacationing in the mountains. This event showed how much people cared about keeping these beautiful places safe from harm.
Images for kids
-
Castle and Merriam Peaks
-
White Cloud Mountains viewed from Sawtooth Mountains
-
Washington Lake in the White Cloud Mountains
-
White Cloud Mountains in Distance across Sawtooth Valley
-
Fourth of July Lake in the White Cloud Mountains
-
Castle Peak
-
White Cloud Mountains
-
Warm Spring Creek in White Cloud Mountains
-
Warm Springs Meadow in White Cloud Mountains
-
White Cloud Mountains
-
White Cloud Mountains across Sawtooth Valley
-
Hikers leaving Quiet Lake, which sits at the base of Castle Peak and Merriam Peak.
-
Hikers eating lunch at Shallow Lake with the Devil's Staircase on the horizon.
