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Graham Guard Station - Rental Cabin
The Graham cabin, a former Forest Service Guard Station, is an ideal getaway for motorcyclists, flight enthusiasts and equestrians, for whom getting there is half the fun. An airstrip is just across from the cabin for guests who want to fly in, and the surrounding terrain is ideal for traversing on foot, horseback or motorcycle.
Guests to the cabin will find a few amenities but may need to bring some additional supplies and gear to make their stay comfortable. The beauty of the surrounding landscape and the abundance of recreational activities make for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Natural Features:
Graham Cabin is located on the North Fork Boise River, adjacent to the Sawtooth Wilderness at an elevation of 5,720 feet. The dwelling sits in an open grassy area surrounded by the rugged mountain peaks of the Sawtooth Range, which are dotted with evergreens. The surrounding area still exhibits some signs of a past forest fire.
Wildlife watchers may spot elk, deer, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, cougars, bobcats and bears. The occasional wolverine may also be seen, as their numbers are growing within the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Recreation:
Several trails located within 2 miles of the cabin offer superb horseback riding opportunities, including the nearby Horse Heaven Trail. These trails are in varying stages of maintenance, but tend to be in good condition for at least 2 miles. Hikers can follow the river all the way to its headwaters in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Motorcyclists can ride the nearby roads.
Fishing is good in the river and nearby Johnson Creek. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Fly in only. The airstrip is generally free of snow from late May until the beginning of October; use appropriate landing precautions for this backcountry airstrip. Road repair completed in 2018 however, access only with high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle because visitor must ford North Fork Boise River to get to the cabin. Livestock are permitted at Graham Cabin.
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| Operational Hours: | Generally July - September. |
| Reservations: | Reservations and fees can be found at Graham Guard Station cabin on rec.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Cabin guests should call the Idaho City Ranger Station, 208-392-6681 to get the entry code for the cabin and leave a voicemail if necessary. Ranger Station employees will call, e-mail or leave a voicemail of the code within 3 days of the scheduled arrival. Guests should be sure to check their voicemails. |
| Fees: | Cabin sleeps 6 people. Cabin users must make arrangements to pick up the key to Graham Cabin from the Forest Service office in Idaho City, ID; office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Potable water is not available; bring drinking water or a water filter. The provisions in the cabin are for emergency situations; do not use them unless absolutely necessary. Parking is limited. |
| Usage: | Light |
| Closest Towns: | Idaho City, Idaho |
| Restroom: | Vault |
General Information
Directions:The Graham Cabin is 53 miles northeast of Idaho City, Idaho.
- From Idaho City, travel north along State Highway 21 for 18 miles to Forest Service (FS) Road 384 (Crooked River/Little Owl Road).
- Turn onto FS Road 384 and proceed 4 miles to FS Road 312 (Pikes Fork Road).
- Turn right onto FS Road 312 and travel approximately 26 miles.
- There are only 2 major road intersections on FS Road 312; just keep bearing right and follow the directional signs.
Vehicle access to the area is generally limited from mid-July to the beginning of October due to high elevation snow.
The road is extremely rocky and rutted and has steep sections; you also have to ford the river. Only high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Plan on a minimum 3-hour trip from Idaho City to the cabin.
Guests arriving on horseback can either ride horses the last 10 miles of FS Road 312 or ride the 6-mile Horse Heaven Trail from FS Road 327 (just beyond Deer Park).
General Notes:
Facilities:
This cabin is also an ideal getaway for the ATV or 4-wheel drive enthusiast, for whom getting there is half the fun.
If you choose to visit the cabin, ensure you are adequately prepared and experienced for the extreme back country conditions you may encounter. Before your trip, contact the Idaho City Ranger District office so Forest Service personnel will be aware of your plans and be available to assist in any emergency.
Activities
Cabin Rentals
Reservations and fees can be found at Graham Guard Station cabin on rec.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance. Occupancy is limited to six people. Parking is limited. No refunds for bad weather. Tents, RV's, and motor homes are not allowed at this site.
Cabin users must make arrangments to pick up the key to Graham cabin from the Idaho City Ranger District. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. Call the District at 208-392-6681 for more information.
Day Hiking
The river can be hiked all the way to its headwaters, in the Sawtooth Wilderness.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Horse Riding
This is a fantastic getaway for horse lovers; the nearby Horse Heaven trail and many others are ideal for equestrians.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Big Game Hunting
Hunting for big game in season.| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
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Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife is in the area. Watch and you may get a glimpse.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
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