Elk Creek Cabins
Closed — Open November through April for winter recreation. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Access requires snowmobiling, skiing, or snowshoeing 15 miles from Cape Horn parking area on Highway 21.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Elk Creek Cabins are located in beautiful but remote Bear Valley at an elevation of 6,400 feet, adjacent to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness and scenic Elk Creek. The cabins sit in a high mountain meadow dotted with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine amid the peaks of the Sawtooth Range. Operating November through April, these rustic retreats cater to winter sports enthusiasts willing to travel at least 15 miles by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes from the Cape Horn parking area. Cabin 1 accommodates up to 10 people with three double beds and four cots with mattresses, while Cabin 2 sleeps eight on one single bed, three cots, and two additional mattresses. Both feature propane stoves, dry sinks, wood stoves for heating, and basic cookware. Firewood is provided but may need splitting. Neither cabin has electricity or water, so guests must bring their own water, bedding, lighting, and emergency supplies, and pack out all trash. Thirty miles of groomed trails surround the cabins, offering excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Skiers and snowshoers can access backcountry adventures in the adjacent Frank Church Wilderness, though snowmobiles are prohibited there. Winter temperatures typically range from 20-30°F during the day to -15°F to 5°F at night, with deep snow blanketing the landscape. Wildlife including deer, elk, moose, snowshoe hares, coyotes, and lynx are active throughout winter.
Directions
From Lowman, take State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek. Alternate access if Highway 21 is closed: from Lowman, snowmobile north on Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 miles, then go west on Stanley-Landmark Road for approximately 3 miles to the cabins.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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