Yellowjacket Guard Station

About

Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service ranger station and work center nestled in the Yellowjacket Mountains of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The sizable front porch offers views of the scenic mountain meadow surrounding the station, with dense conifer forest covering the surrounding mountains and aspens dotting the landscape. Beagle Creek flows nearby. The spacious cabin sleeps up to 4 guests in two bedrooms equipped with a double bed and a single bed. The living room features a couch, wood stove, table, and chairs. The kitchen includes a propane range/oven, propane refrigerator, and sink, with propane lights throughout. An outhouse is located outside up a small hill. A 40x40 horse corral is available within the guard station complex for those arriving on horseback. This is a remote, primitive rental with no running water, electricity, or cell service. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, dishes, utensils, cookware, and garbage bags as this is a pack-it-out facility. Firewood availability is not guaranteed due to the remote location. Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and off-road enthusiasts will find many trails in the surrounding area, with hunting also being popular. Nearby attractions include Bighorn Crags, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, and Panther Creek.

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 on 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 Rd. Travel 6 miles and take a slight right onto Forest Road 055/Morgan Creek Rd. Continue 26.7 miles and take a left on Porphury Creek/Forest Road 112. Continue approximately 11 miles to Yellowjacket Guard Station.