Elk Creek Cabins

About

Elk Creek Cabins are located in the remote Bear Valley of the Boise National Forest at 6,400 feet elevation, surrounded by the peaks of the Sawtooth Range and adjacent to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These historic guard station cabins offer a rustic winter retreat for experienced backcountry travelers willing to make the 15-mile journey from the Cape Horn parking area by snowmobile, snowshoe, or ski. Two cabins are available: the Ranger Cabin accommodates up to 10 people with three double beds and four cots, featuring a fireplace, wood stove, propane cooking stove, and refrigerator. The Fish Cabin sleeps 8 with one single bed, three cots, and two floor mattresses, heated by a wood stove. Both have dry sinks, basic cookware, and access to a vault toilet outhouse. Firewood is provided but may require splitting. Guests must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all drinking water, garbage bags for pack-out, bedding, lighting, and emergency supplies. No electricity or running water is available. Thirty miles of groomed trails offer snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with wilderness access for human-powered travel only.

Directions

From Lowman, take State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and travel on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe to Elk Creek. Alternate access from Boise area if Highway 21 is closed: from Lowman, snowmobile north on Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 miles, then west on Stanley-Landmark Road for 3 miles to the cabins.