Eight Mile Guard Station

Open — Open year-round. Accessible by car during warmer months, snowmobile or ski access only in winter.

About

Eight Mile Guard Station sits at the forest boundary 11 miles southwest of Soda Springs, Idaho, in a scenic meadow surrounded by conifer forests at 6,000 feet elevation. Established as early as 1908, the current cabin was built in 1962 and serves as a large group rental facility accommodating up to 50 people. The cabin features two bedrooms with four bunkbeds (no mattresses provided), a full kitchen with propane range and oven, a dining room, and a large living room heated by both a gas furnace and wood stove. Propable lighting is provided throughout. The bathroom includes a seasonal flush toilet and shower available June through mid-September, with a vault toilet for winter use. A large garage pavilion with tables and chairs provides additional outdoor dining space, and there's an outdoor fire pit with Dutch oven table. Recreational amenities include a volleyball court, basketball court, swing set, and children's playhouse, plus ample tent camping and some RV parking space. The surrounding Bear River Range offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, OHV trails, fishing in Eightmile Creek, and hunting for deer, elk, and moose. Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The guard station is accessible by car during warmer months but requires snowmobile or ski access in winter. Guests must bring their own drinking water.

Directions

From Soda Springs, turn south onto 3rd East and travel about 5 miles. Before the Baily Creek Sub-division turn left onto Eightmile road. Head south 3 miles to the Eightmile Canyon Road junction and turn right. Follow the Eightmile Canyon road south for 5 miles to the forest boundary. The Guard Station is on the right at the forest boundary.