Backpacking The Boulder Chain Lakes In The White Cloud Mountains Of Idaho

In July of 2013, I flew home from Oahu for a couple weeks of R&R. We had planned on a backpacking trip through the Boulder Chain Lakes located in the White Cloud Mountains of Idaho. The White Cloud Mountain Wilderness area is about 91,000 acres in total. With most peaks close to 10,000 feet in elevation. The Boulder Chain Lakes trail is a 10 mile out and back trip (plus and minus the jaunts to visit different lakes and fishing spots along the way).

The seven of us met in Pocatello and drove about four hours to the trailhead near old Livingston Mill. We loaded up and hit the trail! Along the way, we passed over Big Boulder Creek which overs a stunning view of the Mountains ahead!

The first 5 miles is a steady uphill push to reach the Red Ridge Pass. After the ridge, are Frog Lakes where the scenery is beautiful, and the frogs and fish are plentiful! We set up the first base camp and settled in for an afternoon of fishing and exploring.

The next morning, we headed off into the lake chain territory! The next lake we encountered was Willow Lake. Were some of us cooled off with a nice swim in the lake.

After the short dip, we continued to Shelf Lake where we set up the primary base camp. A few of us from the group had to cut the trip a little shorter so after an exciting day at Shelf Lake we head back to Frog Lakes. The four remaining members spent the next few days exploring the remaining Lakes and hiking to Windy Devils Pass.