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Pebble Guard Station
Pebble Guard Station is located at the base of Bonneville Peak along beautiful Pebble Creek, a tributary of the Portneuf River. The rustic one-room cabin offers a secluded retreat on four fenced acres, surrounded by high mountain vistas.
The original Pebble Guard Station was built in 1908. The current structure stands at a higher altitude and was built in 1933.
Guests can drive to Pebble Guard Station during warmer months, but it can only be accessed by snowmobile in winter. Those arriving in winter should expect to haul their gear and supplies for about 4 miles on a groomed trail. The cabin supplies most of the comforts of home, especially during the warmer months, but guests may need to bring some additional items.
Natural Features: The cabin is located at 6,320 feet on the open foothills of Pebble Basin, which offers expansive views into the high country of Bonneville Peak. This peak is the highest of the Portneuf Range, and the mountains of this range are covered with pine forest and green vegetation.
A variety of wildlife inhabits this area, including mule deer, elk, cougars, coyote and black bears (bear safety tips).
Recreation: Guests at Pebble Guard Station will find opportunities for recreation year-round. Hunting is a popular pastime, and a nearby beaver pond provides good fishing and wading. Trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles are nearby (Idaho OHV safety message). In winter, the area turns into a snowmobiling playground.
Facilities: The guard station offers a mudroom/porch with a large sink, countertop and shower facilities. The main room serves as the kitchen and sleeping room. Cabin amenities include a wood stove for heat, propane appliances (heater, stove/oven, small fridge, water heater), two bunk beds with mattresses, two folding cots, limited tableware and cookware, four chairs and a fold-down table.
A vault toilet, horse corral, campfire ring, grill and picnic table are located outside. Wood for the wood stove and fire ring is available seasonally and is stacked next to the cabin. The parking area can accommodate up to four RVs.
The cabin's water is shut off in November, so winter guests need to bring their own water. Bedding, cleaning supplies, towels, garbage bags, first aid supplies, matches and flashlights are not provided. Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash upon departure.
Nearby Attractions: Lava Hot Springs makes a fun day trip from the cabin. Visitors can enjoy a natural hot springs soaking pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, waterslides and diving platforms. Two 9-hole disc golf courses are linked around the Lava Hot Springs pool complex.
Tubing on the Portneuf River is also a very popular activity. Tube rentals are available throughout town.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open year round. Water turns off 9/26. Pack it it/Pack it out trash; Road closes Nov. 15th. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov Water turns off 09/26, pack in/Pack out trash. Road closes November 15th, 2022. |
| Fees: | $60/night. |
| Permit Info: | Firewood Permits: Firewood permits are available to purchase from the Westside Ranger District June 1 through November 30 and allow the collection of wood that is standing dead or dead/down on the ground. Purchase is a minimum of 4 cords of wood for $25.00 with a maximum of 8 cords per household. You must have a map and brochure of the Ranger Districts you will be cutting in and the Caribou-Targhee Terms and Conditions. |
| Open Season: | January |
| Usage: | Light |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilets |
| Passes: | Federal Passes: *America the Beautiful Pass (Annual, Senior, Access, and Military Passes) will waive fee to picnic areas and trailheads. Senior passes waive camping fees by 50% at campgrounds in the forest. Federal Recreation Passes can be purchased at any ranger district office or at Recreational Passes | USGS Store. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Please call the district office at (208) 236-7500 four days prior to arrival to confirm the security combination No water is available at the cabin after November due to freezing temperatures Lighting instructions will be posted in the cabin; please read and follow them carefully before lighting any appliances Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility Using cross country skis or snowshoes to access Pebble Guard Station is discouraged Pets are allowed at the cabin, but guests must clean up after them and ensure that they don't damage furniture |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.76443, -112.08863
42°45'52"N, 112°5'19"W
Pebble Guard Station is located about 16 miles north of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Just east of Lava Hot Springs, look for the "Pebble Area" sign and turn left (north) onto Blaser Highway/Old Highway 30. Go north on the paved highway for 9 miles to Pebble Creek Road (known locally as Mike's Place or Whiskey Mike's). Turn left (west), across railroad tracks on gravel Forest Road 036. Travel 6.5 miles to the guard station. Big Springs Campground is 1/2-mile beyond the cabin.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Cabin Rentals
OHVs, bird watching hiking, horse trails, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, off-road vehicle trails, photography, bicycle trails
| Reservation Info | For reservations please visit www.recreation.gov or click here. |
| Maximum Number of People |