Month: May 2020

Overview

Historic Stolle Meadows Cabin is a single-room dwelling that has been restored to near original condition. it’s located in a beautiful setting near a variety of
recreational activities. The cabin is available year-round.
The route to the cabin is drivable in warmer months but is only accessible by a 6.5-mile ski or snowmobile trek in the winter. Many conveniences are provided for a comfortable and pleasant experience, but guests may want to bring some additional gear and supplies.

Recreation

Beautiful Warm Lake is less than 5 miles from the cabin, offering boating, canoeing and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, lake and bull trout. Billy Rice Swim Beach, on the north shore of the lake, is a great day-use site for picnicking and swimming. Numerous hiking, biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the area around the lake. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.

A popular activity is to explore nearby Vulcan Hot Springs, about 1.5 miles away. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. Hunting season brings out hunters in search of big game.

Facilities

The cabin contains one double bed and one twin trundle bed with mattresses, a table and chairs, dry sink, wood stove and firewood, propane cooking stove with fuel, pots and pans, dishes, tableware, solar lights and a first aid kit. An axe and maul are provided to split firewood.

An outhouse with vault toilet and a picnic table are located outside. Drinking water is available year-round from a hand pump outside the cabin.

No electricity is available at the cabin. Guests should consider bringing backup lighting in case the solar powered lights are dim. Garbage bags must be brought in to pack out trash. Bedding and pillows are not provided.

Natural Features

The cabin is nestled in a mixed-growth lodgepole pine forest on a bluff overlooking Stolle Meadows at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Above the forest, mountain peaks rise into the sky.

Many wildlife species make their home here. Elk, deer, moose, bear and a variety of other animals frequent the forest. Snowshoe hares and ermine are active in winter, though they may be hard to spot with their white winter coats.

Nearby Attractions

Near Stolle Meadows is a South Fork Salmon River site where visitors can watch Chinook salmon spawn every August. A boardwalk features interpretive signs.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 north 85 miles to Cascade. Turn east on Warm Lake Highway and go 25 miles to Stolle Meadows Road (427). Turn south and go 5 miles to cabin, which will be on your left up a small hill. 

Road construction on forest road 427 (Stolle Meadows Road) is set to begin August 1st, 2019. FR 427 from Warm Lake Highway to the junction of FR 474 will be closed Monday through Friday, 8am – 11:30am, and 1pm – 5pm. From 11:30 – 1pm the road will have one lane open with flaggers directing traffic. The road will be opened on weekends. Road construction will continue until shut down by winter conditions. Please plan your arrival and departue accoringly. 

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 35′ 34.0001″ N

Longitude 115° 40′ 21.0000″ W

Overview

Elk Creek Cabins are open from November through April, offering a rustic retreat for winter sports enthusiasts. Guests must be prepared to snowmobile, snowshoe or ski at least 15 miles from the parking area to the cabin, and they are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

These cabins offer a few amenities, but guests will need to bring some of their own equipment and supplies to make their stay comfortable.

Recreation

Thirty miles of groomed trails surround the cabins, offering excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers and snowshoers can enjoy a backcountry adventure in the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, but snowmobiles are not allowed.

Facilities

Cabin 1 can accommodate up to 10 people on three double beds and four cots with mattresses. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove and refrigerator. A fireplace, couch, chairs and dining table with chairs are in the front room. A wood stove is located off the kitchen for heating.

Cabin 2 has two bedrooms that can accommodate a total of eight people. One single bed with mattress, three cots and two additional mattresses are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove, table and chairs, a couch and wood stove.

A picnic area and an outhouse with a vault toilet are located outside. Both cabins come equipped with some cookware and utensils for cooking and eating.
Firewood for both cabins is provided in a woodshed, but may need to be split. An axe and splitting maul are provided.

Neither cabin has electricity or water. Guests must bring their own water as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Bedding, lighting and emergency supplies are not provided.

Natural Features

Elk Creek Cabins are located in beautiful but remote Bear Valley at an elevation of 6,400 feet. They are adjacent to the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness and scenic Elk Creek. The cabins are situated in a high mountain meadow dotted with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine amid the peaks of the Sawtooth Range.

Winter highs are typically in the 20-30 degree range, with lows averaging -15 to +5 degrees. Deep snow blankets the landscape during the winter months.

Wildlife enthusiasts can watch carefully for snowshoe hares or ermine with their white winter coats. Deer, elk, moose, red squirrels, coyote and lynx are all active in the winter.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Lowman, ttake State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and snowmobile/ski/snowshoe on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek.

Alternate access from the Boise area if Highway 21 is closed between Grandjean and Banner Summit: from Lowman, snowmobile north on the Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 miles. Go west on the Stanley-Landmark Road for approximately 3 miles to the cabin.

Depending on grooming conditions, alternate routes may be available. Take a map and check local conditions.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 25′ 10.9999″ N

Longitude 115° 24′ 10.0001″ W

Overview

Historic Warm Springs Guard Station is open year-round and has recently been restored to reflect its original finishes and paint. It’s accessible by car from mid-April through mid-December but can only be reached by snowshoes or cross-country skis for the remainder of the year.

This charming cabin offers a rustic retreat with a few amenities. Guests should be prepared to bring most of the supplies and gear they need for a comfortable stay.

PLEASE CALL THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH YOUR RESERVATION NUMBER DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS (8AM – 4:30PM EXCEPT HOLIDAYS) FOR COMBINATIONS AND OTHER INQUIRIES AT 208-259-3361.

Recreation

Some hiking trails are nearby. One trail leads to Bonneville Hot Springs, which is accessible by snowshoes and skis in the winter. Visitors can soak
in the waters while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

The South Fork Payette River offers opportunities for trout fishing and swimming. The area around the cabin is a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing playground in winter.

Facilities

The cabin sleeps six people and comes with one double bed and three single beds with mattresses. A small couch and a wood stove are located in the front room. Firewood is provided in the adjacent barn, but it may need to be split. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, a table with chairs, and a propane fridge and stove. Some pots and pans and a coffee pot are provided.

A campfire ring and an outhouse with vault toilet are located outside the cabin. A hand pump for water is available for summer use. No water is available at the cabin in the winter, but snow can be melted. No electricity is provided.

Guests must bring garbage bags to pack out trash. Items like bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, first aid supplies, extra toilet paper and an axe are not available.

Natural Features

Towering Ponderosa pines forest this pretty site located in a narrow mountain valley along the South Fork Payette River. The cabin sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet amid steep mountain peaks.

This is a wintering area for deer and elk. Summer visitors to the area may see black bears. A variety of bird species make the forest their home year-round.

Nearby Attractions

Highway 21, just below the guard station, is known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. This 131-mile route starts in Boise and meanders through Boise, Salmon-Challis and Sawtooth National Forests, with several points of interest along the way.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing
• Swimming site

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 21 northeast 75 miles to Lowman, Idaho. Continue on Highway 21 another 18 miles to milepost 91.2. Turn left on Forest Road 025RC and continue 1.5 miles to cabin when road is open to motorized use. In the winter, park in the plowed parking lot on the left at milepost 91.2 and hike/snowshoe/ski
the the remaining distance.

From Banks, Idaho, turn right off Highway 55 onto Highway 17, drive 40 miles to Lowman. Turn left onto Highway 21 and go approximately 18 miles east to milepost 91.2.
Turn left on Forest Road 025RC and continue 1.5 miles to cabin when road is open to motorized use. In the winter, park in the plowed parking lot on the left at
milepost 91.2 and hike/snowshoe/ski the the remaining distance.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 8′ 12.7000″ N

Longitude 115° 19′ 22.4800″ W

Overview

Hayfork Group Campground is located 49 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, along scenic Highway 21. Historic Idaho City is just 12 miles south of the campground. Visitors enjoy fishing in Mores Creek and exploring local trails.

Recreation

Mores Creek runs between the highway and the campground, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing.

Numerous trails are in the area, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle riding. In the winter, the area becomes a playground for back country skiers and snowmobiles.

Facilities

The campground provides one large-group campsite for reservation. It can accommodate up to 50 people and is a great location for family reunions or small weddings. The site is equipped with multiple tables, a grill and a campfire circle with benches.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Parking spurs are gravel. Due to the campground’s proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.

Natural Features

The campground is situated at the foot of a ponderosa pine-forested hillside along Highway 21, at an elevation of 5,100 feet. The campsite, however, is in an open area with limited shade. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the surrounding area.

Nearby Attractions

Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork and Banner Ridge, offering historic sites, hot springs pools and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest along the way.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Idaho City, take Highway 21 north for about 11 miles to the campground. The entrance is on the east side of the road.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 43° 54′ 31.0000″ N

Longitude 115° 41′ 47.0000″ W

Overview

Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet.

The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where extreme kayaking is a popular activity.

Recreation

The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River.

Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.

Facilities

The campground contains single-family sites, each with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.

Natural Features

The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing

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Directions

From Horseshoe Bend, ID, take State Rt. 55 north for 21.5 miles to the campground sign. Turn left after the sign into the campground(on west side of highway).

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 10′ 17.6099″ N

Longitude 116° 7′ 15.4600″ W

Overview

Elks Flat Campground is situated on the banks of the South Fork Boise River, at the foot of the Trinity Mountain Range in Idaho. It is five miles north of the town of Pine. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming and exploring trails in the surrounding area.

Recreation

The South Fork Boise River runs along the eastern edge of the campground, offering rafting, swimming and fishing for rainbow trout. Paradise Hot Springs is nearby.

Green Creek Trail 270, a 4.5-mile trail for hiking, horseback riding and dirt bikes, begins a mile from the site. Cross Cut Trail 172 also begins close by and is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles.

Facilities

This campground contains two large-group campsites that can accommodate up to 100 people. Each site is equipped with covered pavilions, picnic tables and cement site pads. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel.

Natural Features

The campground is settled in a grassy meadow. It is surrounded by stands of cottonwood, aspen, Douglas fir and ponderosa pine, at an elevation of 4,400 feet.

Nearby Attractions

Baumgartner Hot Springs is approximately 16 miles away with a soaking pool and nature trail. Kelly Creek Flats Recreation Area is adjacent to Baumgartner with several more trail opportunities.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Swimming site

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Directions

From Mountain Home, travel east on Highway 20 for 35 miles to the turnoff for Pine/Featherville (Forest Highway 61). Travel north on Highway 61 for 24 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 43° 32′ 13.9898″ N

Longitude 115° 17′ 42.5000″ W

Overview

Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Recreation

Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river’s edge within the campground. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls.

The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby.

Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District’s premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.

Facilities

The campground contains several single-family sites and one double site, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Some sites have small picnic shelters for shade.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on-site. Roads and parking spurs are paved. A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby.

Natural Features

The campground offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site. The campground can be very hot and sunny during the summer. Wildflowers dot the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway and travel to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. The campground is located 5 miles east at milepost 77.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 4′ 19.9999″ N

Longitude 115° 32′ 31.9999″ W

Overview

Pine Flats Campground is located a few miles west of Lowman, Idaho, along the Banks-Lowman Highway at an elevation of 3,700 feet. Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking and fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and soaking in the hot springs at the river’s edge.

Recreation

The South Fork Payette River flows next to the site, down a small hill, and offers trout fishing, rafting and kayaking. The Danskin River Access area is 5 miles west of the campground.

A 1/4-mile nature trail begins in the campground and leads to a natural hot springs soaking pool on the riverside.

Facilities

The campground contains several single and double-family sites, most of which are accessible, each with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved, as are some campsite pads.

Natural Features

Towering Ponderosa pines cover the campground, offering partial shade in most sites. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Deer and elk may be seen wandering through the campground on occasion.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The area offers scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Visitor center
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east and travel on the Banks-Lowman Highway for 28 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 3′ 51.0001″ N

Longitude 115° 40′ 54.9998″ W

Overview

Bonneville Campground is 19 miles east of Lowman, Idaho just off Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Warm Springs Creek runs alongside the campground and the South Fork Payette River lies across the highway. Visitors enjoy soaking at Bonneville Hot Springs a short distance above the campground, and fishing in the creek and river.

Recreation

A 1/4-mile hiking trail leads from the campground to Bonneville Hot Springs, where a soaking pool awaits. Warm Springs Creek offers good trout fishing.

The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood River Access area is located near Lowman.

Facilities

The campground contains several accessible single-family sites and one double site, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on-site.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking Warm Springs Creek. A forest of towering Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir covers the campground. Most campsites have plentiful shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Deer and elk may be seen wandering through the area on occasion.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn East on Banks Lowman Highway 17 to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. The campground is located at milepost 91.5.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 9′ 5.9400″ N

Longitude 115° 18′ 41.8702″ W

Overview

Helende Campground is located 10 miles east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,100 feet. The South Fork Payette River lies a few hundred yards away. Visitors enjoy fishing and rafting on the river, soaking at nearby Kirkham Hot Springs and exploring the extensive Kirkham Ridge Trail.

Recreation

The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby.

Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is less than 5 miles west of the campground along Highway 21. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools on the riverside.

Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District’s premier trails. It begins near Kirkham Campground and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.

Facilities

The campground contains single-family sites, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a dense forest of lodgepole and Ponderosa pine, which offers plentiful shade in most sites. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Deer and elk may be seen wandering through the area on occasion.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 to Banks. Turn east and travel on Forest Highway 24/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Campground is located at milepost 82.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 44° 5′ 34.0001″ N

Longitude 115° 28′ 32.9999″ W