Elk Creek Pavilion

About

Elk Creek Pavilion is a spacious group shelter located in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near the town of Elk River in north central Idaho. The 42x80-foot covered structure features a large stone fireplace toward the rear and can accommodate groups of up to 200 people with 40 vehicles maximum. The pavilion operates as a day-use facility with hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., though overflow camping sites adjacent to the pavilion are available for overnight reservations. The pavilion sits at roughly 3,000 feet elevation in a mature pine forest alongside Elk Creek. Vault toilets are provided on site. The facility is non-electric, though generator-powered electricity is permitted if customer-supplied. Groups exceeding 50 people must contact the Palouse Ranger District to arrange additional parking. Garbage services are not available; campers must pack out all trash. The surrounding area is home to the tallest waterfall in Idaho, accessible via the 3.5-mile Elk Creek Falls Trail, and the largest western red cedar tree east of the Cascade Range. Elk Creek and the nearby Elk River Reservoir offer fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. The town of Elk River is less than a mile away and provides gas, groceries, showers, and fishing supplies.

Directions

From Moscow, Idaho, travel northeast on State Road 8 to Elk River. Turn north onto Forest Road 382, then east onto Forest Road 1705. The pavilion is approximately 45 minutes from Moscow.