Pebble Guard Station

Summary

Pebble Guard Station is a rustic cabin located at the base of Bonneville Peak, along Pebble Creek and offers great wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. In winter, it can only be accessed via snowmobile on a 6 mile groomed trail. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicles, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. The cabin can accommodate up to six people and offers a variety of amenities.

Overview

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 or other snow means in the winter. Those arriving in winter should expect to haul their gear and supplies for about 6 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.

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

Pebble Guard Station can accommodate up to six people on the two bunkbeds and folding cots provided.  

Cabin amenities include a mudroom with a sink, countertop, and seasonal shower facilities. The main room serves as the kitchen and sleeping room with two bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with chairs, folding cots, a broom and dustpan, a cook prep area, and sink. Propane appliances include lights, stove/oven, and water heater.   

The propane heater located in the main room is currently not functional. Guests should come prepared with their own firewood to heat the cabin with the wood stove. 

The cabin's water is shut off late September to May.

A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic table are located outside.   

The parking area can accommodate up to 3 RVs.

The main access road, Pebble Road, FS #036, is closed after November 15 every year and guests will have to walk, bike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in approximately 6 miles on a groomed trail to the cabin. Winter guests should call the Westside Ranger District to check snow conditions before reserving this cabin from November through May. Winter guests need to bring their own water.  

Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.  

Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies are not available. 

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).

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.