White Cloud Weekend - Chamberlain Basin & Castle Peak (Level 3 & 4)

## Details

Join us on a two-night trip into Chamberlain Basin in the White Cloud mountains to close out the summer. The high point of this trip will be a climb to the summit of stunning Castle Peak, the highest peak in the White Clouds at 11,815 feet. (The event photo is Castle Peak.) From the summit of Castle Peak, you can see the Pioneers to the south and the Sawtooths to the west. Climbing the peak is not mandatory, so if you would prefer to join in the backpacking and day hike in the White Clouds instead, you can do that as well.

There will be a mandatory planning meeting for all attendees that will be scheduled for the week before the hike.

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## Trip Description

Iconic and storied Castle Peak was going to be the site of an open pit molybdenum mine just a half century ago. Outrage over the damage being done in this pristine mountain setting set off a series of events that led to the designation of millions of acres of Idaho wilderness that we still enjoy today.

So with a gratefulness to those who fought to preserve this area, we will hike 9 miles in to Chamberlain Basin and set up camp. After a good night's sleep and energizing breakfast, we ascend. The climb is 2600 vertical feet, with most of the climb steep class 3 climbing, like giant uneven stairs. We return to camp and congratulate each other. Tell stories. Haiku.

📖 More trail info:
https://mountainswithmegan.com/chamberlain-basin-hike-stanley-idaho/

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## Approach to This Trip

The hike to Baron Lakes is about 9 miles, and will gain and lose about 2000 feet, ending at a lake that is only about 500 feet higher than the trailhead. This is a level 3 hike, so be sure you are ready for the physical challenge.

Day 2 will focus on climbing Castle Peak. We will get an early start up the mountain with plans to summit before 2:00 p.m. so we can be off the peak in the later afternoon when mountain lightning can move in. Helmets are mandatory for anyone climbing. The climb is mostly a long but easy class 3. In our group's level system, that's a level 4 climb. The first 500 feet or so is just steep trail, and after that you will want to start grabbing rocks for security and balance. This is an extended class 3 scramble and brings with it risks associated with a long steep climb up and climb down. According to our rating system, we classify this as a level activity. Anyone who chooses to stay behind and skip the climb will have a couple trail options for day hikes and nearby lakes to visit.

Day 3 we will break camp early and hike out, with a lunch after if time allows.

The skill we will practice on this trip is Haiku

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## Road to Trailhead

• From Highway 75, head east on Fourth of July Creek Road. Trailhead is at the end of the road, about 10 miles from the highway. A sedan could make it up this road if you drive carefully but a small SUV or larger vehicle would be preferred.

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## Itinerary

### Saturday (Sept 5)

• Meet: 6:00 AM at a meeting location to be determined in our pre-trip meeting.
• Depart: 6:10 AM (carpooling strongly encouraged)
• Arrive at the trailhead: 9:30-10:00 AM

### Sunday (Sept 6)

• Wake up early enough to start hiking at first light
• Summit by noon and back down by 3:00-4:00
• Swim, dinner, stories, haiku.

Monday (Sept 7)

• Break camp and ready to hike by 7:30.
• Lunch in town for all interested.

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## What to Bring

• Bear resistant food storage
• Trowel or wag bag (available from organizer for $2)
• Toilet paper
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Weather-appropriate sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Water filter or purification tablets
• Tent or Tarp
• Food
• Water capacity: at least 2.5 liters. There is no water available on the climb
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Ten Essentials (required)

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## Policies & Expectations

• ❌ No alcohol or drugs
• 🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
• You may turn around at any time if needed

If you cancel, please notify the organizer as soon as possible.
No-shows without communication may affect eligibility for future trips.

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## Safety Notes

• Participants must take responsibility for their own safety
• If you are unable to continue, you may be asked to “shelter in place” while assistance is arranged
• We will make every reasonable effort to support you and ensure your safety
• We will not leave anyone injured or in danger

👉 Honest self-assessment is critical—do not overestimate your ability

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## Health & Media

• If you are sick, please stay home
• By attending, you agree to possible photo/video use for group promotion (e.g., YouTube, social media)

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## Release of Liability

By signing up, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of outdoor activities, including injury, property damage, or death. You agree to release the organizers from liability to the fullest extent allowed by law and accept full responsibility for your participation.