Idaho

Backpacking in the White Cloud Mountains, Idaho

Summer was turning into a scorcher and I started looking at the weather map for anywhere we could escape the heat for a few days. It appeared the only place in Idaho that might still stay in the 80’s during the day and cool into the 50’s overnight would be the high elevations of the Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains in the middle of the state. The White Clouds had been on our list as a backpacking “want to do” for a while, so we loaded the packs and headed that direction.

(more…)

Continue ReadingBackpacking in the White Cloud Mountains, Idaho

Mackay Bar, 2024

It is always fun to study maps and dream of where to go and what is there. In the middle of Idaho the Salmon River bisects the state running east to west, and most of the country is only accessible by boat, horse, foot or plane. So when you see a switchbacked road making its way down from the high forests to the river, well, if you are curious you just want to go and check it out. We waited until we thought the snow would allow us to pass through the high country above the river (about 6400 feet elevation) and still early enough that the temperatures down in the river canyon below (about 2400 feet) would still be bearable.

(more…)

Continue ReadingMackay Bar, 2024