The White Clouds are a small, newly protected wilderness area near Stanley, Idaho that has stayed wild due to few entry points, few actual trails and even fewer accurate trail distances. It’s also falling apart. Many trails disappear and change with rockfalls; some just can’t be built. Due to severe lightning storms that turned our afternoons into “stay put” time, we were very behind on the first day. Ultimately, we had to turn around as there was not enough time for us to complete our loop.

This photo series includes all the high moments from this short trip, between the thunderstorms, contemplation of alternate routes, watching rocks flying off mountains, and hiding in a tent. I have no regret in turning around. It was the only option, and I know I’ll be back to find the mountains the same but different.