Deer Park Guard Station - Rental Cabin
The Deer Park Rental cabin was originally established as Deer Park Ranger Guard Station in 1913, and a cabin was built here in 1917. This cabin, along with many others in Boise National Forest, was replaced in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Deer Park Cabin looks much the same today as it did in the 1930s. The cabin received an upgrade in 2018.
The cabin is available from mid-May through late September, and it's easily accessible by car in good weather. Many creature comforts are provided, but guests may need to bring additional gear and supplies to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Natural Features:
Deer Park cabin is located in an open meadow lined with mature Ponderosa pines at an approximate elevation of 4,400 feet. Nearby, the North Fork Boise River rushes over rocks and through jagged granite walls studded with pine trees.
Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Bears are occasional visitors to the area as well. A variety of waterfowl is attracted to the river, as well as bald eagles and osprey.
Recreation:
The North Fork Boise River Trail, which begins directly behind the cabin, leads hikers upstream. The 5-mile trail passes through some of the roughest, most scenic canyon walls in Idaho before dipping down to the river's edge to pass by a rock bluff.
Horse Heaven trail begins about a mile from the cabin and connects with the Swanholm/Warrior Trails. All these trails are open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, dirt bikers and motorcyclists, although some of the sections of the trail may be particularly difficult for motorcycles.
The river flows across the road from the cabin, offering good rainbow trout fishing after about July 1st. Big game hunting is also a popular pastime in the area.
General Information
Facilities:
The cabin accommodates 6 people utilizing a futon and two sets of bunkbeds with mattresses. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane stove, refrigerator, cookware, dishes, utensils and a dry sink. A wood stove is provided for heat and firewood can be gathered from the surrounding forest. Garbage collection is provided.
A vault toilet outhouse is just outside. A shed to the right of the cabin houses a hand pump for potable water. A picnic table and campfire ring are located out front.
The cabin has no indoor plumbing or electricity. Bedding, pillows, lighting and emergency supplies are not provided.
End of May - End of September
End of May - End of September
Overnight Use:
$35 per night (6 people max)
Please call the Idaho City Ranger District at 208-392-6681, about 24 - 48 hours prior to your arrival to confirm the lock combination for the cabin. Tents, RVs and motor homes are not allowed at this site. Parking is limited. Livestock, such as saddle, pack or draft animals, are not allowed at this site. Please clean the cabin before leaving.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.91552
Longitude: -115.40228
Directions
- From Idaho City, Idaho, travel State Highway 21 for 18 miles to (Crooked River/Little Owl Road) Forest Service (FS) Road 384.
- Turn right onto FS Road 384 and proceed 13.5 miles to (North Fork Boise River Road) FS Road 327.
- Turn left onto FS Road 327 and drive upstream for 5 miles to (Hunter Creek Road) FS Road 348.
- Go straight ahead on FS Road 348 for 1/4 mile where you will see a meadow and a road turning off to the right.
- Proceed 300 yards to Deer Park Cabin.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.