Johnson Creek Guard Station

About

Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a peaceful mountain retreat with modern conveniences in the Boise National Forest. The cabin sits in a scenic meadow beside Johnson Creek at approximately 5,100 feet elevation, surrounded by pine-forested mountain slopes. Wildlife including deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles frequent the area. The cabin sleeps up to six guests with two twin beds in the loft, a full-size bed in a separate bedroom, two cots, and a couch. The kitchen is equipped with an electric range, refrigerator, table with chairs, and cookware including pots, pans, plates, and utensils. A modern bathroom provides a flush toilet and shower. Outside, two picnic tables and a campfire ring are available. Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, lanterns, garbage bags, and drinking water. The cabin provides excellent access to non-motorized trails into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek offer fishing opportunities. The small community of Yellow Pine is located a few miles north and hosts the annual Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival in August.

Directions

From Cascade, ID, head north on ID-55 toward McCall. Turn right/east on Warm Lake Road (FH-22) and continue approximately 35 miles. Turn left/north on Road 413 (Johnson Creek Road) and continue about 22 miles. The cabin is on the right/east side of the road, marked by a Forest Service sign. Roads are unpaved with some narrow, steep sections and possible washboard. Trailers not recommended. If Warm Lake Summit is closed due to snow, take FS 474 north to FH-48, then head east and south on Johnson Creek Road.