Johnson Creek Guard Station
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Typically open early June through late September. Reservations and cabin combination available by calling the Cascade Ranger District at 208-382-7400.
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
Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences in the Boise National Forest. The cabin sits in a pretty mountain meadow near scenic Johnson Creek, a tributary of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, surrounded by dense pine forest-covered mountain slopes. The cabin features a full kitchen with electric range, refrigerator, and all necessary cookware and utensils. It sleeps up to 4 guests with one full bed downstairs and two cots upstairs. The living room has a couch, chair, and table with chairs. A modern bathroom includes a flush toilet and shower. Outside, two picnic tables and a campfire ring are provided. The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, popular for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Off-road vehicle trails are also nearby. Both Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River offer excellent fishing opportunities for salmon, steelhead, rainbow, bull, and cutthroat trout. Berry picking and hunting are popular in season. The tiny community of Yellow Pine is just north of the cabin and offers limited services. Access is via approximately 57 miles of paved and unpaved forest roads from Cascade, Idaho. While the roads are generally good, there are narrow and steep sections. Trailers are not recommended. Guests must pack out all trash and bring their own bedding, towels, and emergency drinking water.
Directions
From Cascade, Idaho, head north on Highway 55 to the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22) turnoff. Continue northeast on FH-22 for approximately 25 miles. In the Warm Lake area, proceed east on FS Road 579 to its intersection with FS Road 413 (about 10 miles). Turn north on FS Road 413 and travel approximately 22 miles to the cabin on the right side of the road. Good unpaved road with some narrow, steep sections and possible washboard. Use low gears. Not recommended for trailers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 382-7400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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