Cub River Guard Station

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Accessible by car in warmer months; winter access requires snowmobile on groomed trails. Water availability is seasonal and not guaranteed; flush toilet and shower operate approximately June through mid-September, with vault toilet used the remainder of the year. Call the district office at (208) 847-0375 four days before arrival to confirm security combination and check snow conditions November through June.

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About

Cub River Guard Station was established in 1907, with the current cabin built in 1959 after previous structures were lost to fire. Located at 6,000 feet elevation near the Cub River, this year-round rental offers a unique basecamp for exploring the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The cabin sleeps 8 on four bunk beds (no mattresses provided) in two bedrooms, with total site capacity of 75 people. Inside you'll find log furniture, a wood-burning stove, propane space heater and lighting, and a kitchen with four-burner range and oven. Flush toilet and shower are available approximately June through mid-September when water is operational; a vault toilet outside is used the rest of the year. The grounds include a large grassy area for tent camping, covered 20x20 dining pavilion with picnic tables, fire ring with benches, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and tetherball pole. The area offers exceptional recreational opportunities across all seasons. Summer and fall bring access to numerous hiking, biking, horseback, and off-road vehicle trails including the Highline National Recreation Trail. The Cub River provides fly-fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Winter transforms the landscape into snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing terrain. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose in willow thickets along the river, plus elk and deer. Cub River Road is heavily traveled by recreationists, and winter access requires snowmobile only on groomed trails from December 15 to April 15.

Directions

From Preston, Idaho, head approximately 3 miles south on U.S. Highway 91. Turn east on Cub River Road/Forest Road 406. Proceed about 10 miles to the guard station.