Elk Creek Guard Station - Rental Cabins
The Elk Creek cabins are open from November through April, offering a rustic retreat for winter sports enthusiasts. Guests must be prepared to snowmobile, snowshoe or ski at least 15 miles from the parking area to the cabin, and they are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
These cabins offer a few amenities, but guests will need to bring some of their own equipment and supplies to make their stay comfortable. Neither cabin has electricity or water. Guests must bring their own water as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Bedding, lighting and emergency supplies are not provided.
Natural Features:
Elk Creek cabins are located in beautiful but remote Bear Valley at an elevation of 6,400 feet. They are adjacent to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness and scenic Elk Creek. The cabins are situated in a high mountain meadow dotted with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine amid the peaks of the Sawtooth Range.
Winter highs are typically in the 20-30 degree range, with lows averaging -15 to +5 degrees. Deep snow blankets the landscape during the winter months.
Wildlife enthusiasts can watch carefully for snowshoe hares or ermine with their white winter coats. Deer, elk, moose, red squirrels, coyote and lynx are all active in the winter.
Recreation:
Thirty miles of groomed trails surround the cabins, offering excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers and snowshoers can enjoy a backcountry adventure in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, but snowmobiles are not allowed.
General Information
Facilities:
The Ranger Cabin can accommodate up to 10 people on three double beds and four cots with mattresses. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove and refrigerator. A fireplace, couch, chairs and dining table with chairs are in the front room. A wood stove is located off the kitchen for heating. The Fish Cabin has two bedrooms that can accommodate a total of eight people. One single bed with mattress, three cots and two additional mattresses are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove, table and chairs, a couch and wood stove.
A picnic area and an outhouse with a vault toilet are located outside. Both cabins come equipped with some cookware and utensils for cooking and eating. Firewood for both cabins is provided in a woodshed, but may need to be split. An axe and splitting maul are provided.
For site specific question, contact the Lowman Ranger District.
Generally November - April.
Overnight Use:
$50 per night (1-10 people)
The cabin can accommodate up to 10 people. The combination to the door lock will be provided with the reservation confirmation notice. Tents, RVs and motor homes are not allowed at this site. Pets must be under restrictive control at all times; guests are responsible for cleaning up after pets. The stoves and refrigerators are disconnected for the winter months.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.42088
Longitude: -115.40496
Directions
Spring route: If Forest Service Road 579 is clear of snow and mud:
- From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles.
- At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks-Lowman Road) and proceed 31 miles to Lowman, Idaho.
- At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed northeast towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21 approximately 40 miles.
- Along the route, you will travel past Banner Summit, Bull Trout Campground and eventually arrive at the Forest Service (FS) Road 579 turnoff.
- Turn (west) onto FS Road 579 at Banner Creek/Cape Horn Summit. There is a big parking area and an information board.
- Proceed along FS Road 579 - 15 miles through Bear Valley to the Elk Creek Cabins.
Winter route:
- At the Cape Horn turnoff, there is a large plowed parking lot, just after the turn, onto FS road 579 on the right.
- Snowmobile/ski or snowshoe along FS road 579 for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek.
Alternate access from the Boise, Idaho if State Highway 21 is closed between Grandjean and Banner Summit:
- From Lowman, Idaho, travel north on the (Clear Creek Road) Forest Service Road 482 for approximately 34 miles.
- Travel west on the FS Road 579 for approximately 3 miles to the cabin.
Depending on grooming conditions, alternate routes may be available. Take a map and check local conditions.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
