Idaho / Lemhi County / Salmon-Challis National Forest

Yellowjacket Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin is located on remote forest roads that become inaccessible in winter due to snow. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during the operating season.

About

Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service Ranger Station and Work Center eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this spacious rental cabin sits in the Yellowjacket Mountains within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The guard station can sleep a maximum of three people in two bedrooms with one full bed and one single bed. The living room contains a couch, wood stove, table and chairs. The small kitchen is equipped with a propane range/oven, propane refrigerator, and sink, though there is no running water. Propane lights illuminate the cabin, and an outhouse is located up a small hill. Guests must bring all drinking water, linens, bedding, dishes, utensils, and cookware. The cabin's sizable front porch provides views of the scenic mountain meadow surrounding the station. A dense conifer forest covers the mountains with aspens dotting the landscape, and Beagle Creek flows nearby. Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and off-road enthusiasts will find many trails in the area. Hunting is also popular. Nearby attractions include Bighorn Crags, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, and Panther Creek. Due to the remote location on Forest Road 112, access typically requires high-clearance vehicles and is seasonal.

Directions

From Salmon, Idaho, take Highway 93 south 5 miles to a right turn at Shoup Bridge onto Forest Road 021 and travel 44.5 miles to Cobalt Work Center facility on Panther Creek Road 055. Continue 8 miles south on Panther Creek Road to Porphury Creek turnoff to the right, heading west. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station. From Challis, Idaho, take Highway 93 north 8 miles to a left turn on Morgan Creek Road. Travel 6 miles and take a slight right onto Forest Road 055/Morgan Creek Road. Continue 26.7 miles and take a left on Porphury Creek/Forest Road 112. Continue approximately 11 miles to Yellowjacket Guard Station.

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