Cascade Ranger District and Office

Cascade RD sign and office with pine tree and parking lot

The Cascade Ranger District is the northern most District on the Boise National Forest. Encompassing over 400,000 acres, the District offers a diverse resource management program including: Recreation, Wildlife, Fisheries, Timber, Range and Watershed.

The small town of Cascade is nestled in the mountains of central Idaho approximately 75 miles north of Boise on Idaho State Highway 55. It is located in Long Valley between the North Fork of the Payette River (known for its world-class kayaking) and Cascade Lake and the South Fork Salmon River (two of the top fisheries in Idaho). The Cascade Ranger District offers year-round outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for everyone.

The Cascade District is also a great jumping off point for the western portions of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Access the main stem of Pistol Creek inside the Wilderness via Snowshoe Summit. Take NFS road 447 from Landmark, then take NFS road 447E to Snowshoe Summit to the Wilderness boundary.

SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS might include fishing along Cascade Lake or swimming at Warm Lake, riding motorcycles or ATVs, hiking on one of the many trails or maybe camping at the beautiful Shore Line Campground.

Make any reservations at www.recreation.gov.

Cascade Ranger District
Highway 55
P.O.Box 696
Cascade, ID 83611
208-382-7400

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	FALL Campground Closures for Cascade Ranger District Campgrounds are scheduled to remain open until the middle of September. In October, campgrounds will remain partially open with reduced services, no water and reduced prices. This schedule will remain in place until access routes are closed by snow. If you have further questions, please call the District. 208-382-4700. The gate on the Snowbank Road #446 to Snowbank Mountain and Blue Lake normally opens on June 1.
Information Center:	Trailheads are inspected periodically throughout the season and any safety hazards will be mitigated as necessary. Trailheads are open all year unless access prevented by a seasonal closure.

Operational Hours:

FALL Campground Closures for Cascade Ranger District Campgrounds are scheduled to remain open until the middle of September. In October, campgrounds will remain partially open with reduced services, no water and reduced prices. This schedule will remain in place until access routes are closed by snow. If you have further questions, please call the District. 208-382-4700. The gate on the Snowbank Road #446 to Snowbank Mountain and Blue Lake normally opens on June 1.

Information Center:

Trailheads are inspected periodically throughout the season and any safety hazards will be mitigated as necessary. Trailheads are open all year unless access prevented by a seasonal closure.

General Information

Directions:

From Boise, Idaho, travel approximately 80 miles north along Idaho State Highway 55 to Cascade, Idaho.

Travel through the town of Cascade.

The Cascade Ranger District Office is on the north end of town on the right side of Idaho State Highway 55.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Campground Camping

Cascade RD - Johnson Creek Cabin - Summer

Experience the perfect get-away and rent the Johnson Creek Cabin. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov.

Areas for Campground Camping at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Shoreline Campground and Group sites

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Lake and Pond Fishing

Plenty of excellent lake fishing within the Cascade Ranger District.

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Cascade Ranger District and Office

River and Stream Fishing

The river and steam fishing within the Cascade Ranger District is excellent.

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Day Hiking

West Mountain Trail near Blue Lake

Enjoy beautiful day hikes within the Cascade Ranger District!

Areas for Day Hiking at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Big Game Hunting

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Cascade Ranger District and Office

Viewing Wildlife

The Cascade District includes a Chinook salmon viewing platform which offers a fantastic opportunity to see the big fish jumping up the falls as they migrate upstream to spawn (numbers usually peak in late June, early July). The Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon species. On average, Chinook salmon are 3 feet long and approximately 30 pounds. But some Chinook salmon can grow to over 5 feet long and 110 pounds!

The Rice Peak Trail (103)is a steep hike, but rewards with magnificent views from the top. From Cascade, drive about 25 miles east on Warm Lake Highway. At Stolle Meadows, turn south on Forest Road 474 to its junction approximately 7 miles later with 478. Continue on 478 for about 4 miles until reaching the end of the road and the trailhead. Hike about .25 mile to Rice Lake, then go approximately 1 more mile, mostly uphill, to Rice Peak at about 8,700 feet elevation. You will have stunning views of Warm Lake, Long Valley, Deadwood Reservoir, the Frank Church Wilderness and multiple mountain ranges. This is also the location of the historic Rice Peak Lookout. The present building was built in 1940, but has not been staffed for several years. You can also reach the Lookout via the 102 Trail and from the Landmark-Stanley Road via the Switchback Trail (009) over to 102 Trail. Be aware these are all single-track trails that are also open to motorcycles.

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Cascade Ranger District and Office