Backpacking in Idaho mid July where would you go?

[Leftyt]

We are taking a road trip this year to visit a good friend I ski bummed with 2012. We will be in Boise around July10-12 then we have about 4 days to backpack before we head home. What would be your top 3 30ish mile backpacking trip? Sawtooth, White Clouds, and other ideas? Right now we are looking mostly at the White Clouds but could be swayed. Is Island lake worth a day hike also? Old roommates wife has recommended it several times so we may go as a group just one day. Thanks in advance!

[climberevan]

I've done a couple of trips in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and have been amazed both times. I'm not sure you could do a worthy trip there in only 3 days though.

Sawtooth range is indeed striking, but VERY CROWDED. The White Cloud Wilderness might be the right in between zone. It's really hard to go wrong in ID.

[shank]

White Clouds is probably the move with only a handful of days but “very busy” in the sawtooths is still a pretty moderate crowd by many folks standards, don’t rule it out if you’ve got a project there you’re interested in.

[bearcub69]

ive done island lake before.. think it was the whiteclouds or the boulders.
multiple island lakes
its a cool place, good fly fishing, can hike up to higher lakes, very pretty
you cant really go wrong as long as you do your research

[Leftyt]

Some good info to start. I will start digging through it a bit and get back to you all! Thanks again!

[GlennD]

I would third Whiteclouds, best if your pushed for time in the area.

[Leftyt]

Any idea on who to get the best detailed maps from for the White Clouds? Forest service? I don't want to have to rely on a electronic device even though we will have a In Reach and phones.

[shank]

Pretty sure the nat geo map for sawtooth NRA includes white clouds

[isisis]

Don't forget the bug dope.

[NBABUCKS1]

leffyt- Goto caltop and print your portions if you don't want to buy.

[The Reverend Floater]

Stanley Ranger Station or Elephants Perch in Ketchum has you covered.

The Sawtooths aren't crowded by most people's standards, especially if you're willing to overnight.

White Clouds are rad. Also, don't count out the Boulders.

Be ready for all sorts of weather that time of year. It can go from bluebird to lightning and torrential rain in no time.

Please don't burn our shit down. Thx.