Idaho › Bear Lake County › Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Eight Mile Guard Station

Open

The guard station opens for the 2026 season on May 12. The summer season runs May 15 through September 15 with 3 PM check-in. Snow conditions can affect accessibility from November through June; contact the Montpelier Ranger District to verify conditions before reserving during shoulder seasons.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Flood Watch issued July 21 at 12:43PM MDT until July 22 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

12:43 PM — July 22nd, 6:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of eastern and southeast Idaho, including the following areas, in eastern Idaho, Big Hole Mountains, Centennial Mountains - Island Park and Teton Valley. In southeast Idaho, Bear Lake Valley, Bear River Range, Blackfoot Mountains, Caribou Range, Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region and Marsh and Arbon Highlands. * WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An abnormally moist airmass will overspread eastern Idaho later tonight and continue into the day tomorrow. Thunderstorms are expected to be efficient rainfall producers and flash flooding will be possible across the watch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

About

Eight Mile Guard Station offers a unique lodging experience in a historic Forest Service cabin originally established in 1908, with the current structure built in 1962. Located 11 miles southwest of Soda Springs in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the cabin sits in a scenic meadow at 6,000 feet elevation surrounded by tall conifers and the rugged limestone peaks of the Bear River Range. Eightmile Creek meanders nearby, providing fishing opportunities. The cabin sleeps up to 8 guests on four bunk beds (no mattresses provided) and includes a fully equipped kitchen with propane range and oven, dining area, propane heater, wood stove, and solar lighting system with propane backup. An indoor bathroom with flush toilet and shower operates seasonally, while a vault toilet outhouse remains available year-round. There is no potable water or electricity; guests must bring their own water supply and bedding. The area offers excellent recreation including hiking, mountain biking, OHV trails, fishing in Eightmile Creek, and hunting. Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, though the cabin is only accessible by snowmobile during snowy months. Guests should call the Montpelier Ranger District at least four days before arrival to obtain the security combination.

Directions

From Soda Springs, turn south onto 3rd East and travel about 5 miles. Before the Bailey Creek subdivision, turn left onto Eightmile Road. Head south 3 miles to the Eightmile Canyon Road junction and turn right. Follow Eightmile Canyon Road south for 5 miles to the forest boundary. The guard station is on the right at the forest boundary.