Facility Details - EIGHT MILE GUARD STATION, ID

Overview

Eight Mile Guard Station is a short drive from Soda Springs, Idaho. It was established as early as 1908. Several buildings have appeared on this site, although most were replaced or relocated. The current cabin was built in 1962.

The guard station only accessible by snowmobile in winter, and guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Many conveniences are provided, especially in the warmer months, but additional supplies and gear may be needed to ensure a comfortable stay.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits in a meadow at an elevation of 6,000 feet, surrounded by stands of tall conifer trees. Eightmile Creek meanders nearby. The rugged limestone and dolomite peaks of the Bear River Range stretch out around the cabin.

Visitors enjoy viewing summer wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife. Large populations of deer, elk and moose inhabit this rugged backcountry. Pikas and marmots are sometimes seen, and beavers make their home around mountain streams.

Recreation:

Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts can all find trails nearby (Idaho OHV safety message). The winter months attract snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

Anglers can fish in Eightmile Creek. This is also a popular area for hunting game and game birds.

Facilities:

The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people.Two bedrooms are available with a total of four bunk beds. Please bring your own bedding. The cabin contains an indoor bathroom with a seasonally available flush toilet and shower. A large kitchen is equipped with a dining area and propane cook stove. The living room has a propane heater. Propane is provided for the lights, cook stove and heater.

An outhouse with vault toilet is just behind the cabin. There is also a campfire circle with benches.

Water is not guaranteed, and there is no electricity. Guests should come prepared with their own water supply. Bedding, cookware, kitchen utensils and emergency supplies are not provided.

Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash upon departure. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies are not available.

Nearby Attractions:

Soda Springs attracts visitors for its variety of parks and historical landmarks. Visitors can see covered wagon ruts left in the soil from pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail, as well as explore Formation Springs and Cave. There's also a museum, a golf course and several places to shop and dine.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Cabin Rentals Campfire Circles Cot(s) Creek Access Cross Country Skiing Fishing Flush Toilets Hiking Hunting Mountain Biking	Off-Road Vehicle Trails Parking Area Propane Heat Propane Lights Propane Stove Showers Snowmobile Trails Table & Chairs Trailheads Vault Toilets
Within 10 Miles
Fishing

Know Before You Go

Please call the district office at (208) 847-0375 four days prior to arrival to confirm the security combination
Indoor plumbing may be available from 6/1 to 9/15; guests must supply their own water before and after these dates
Lighting instructions are posted in the cabin; please read and follow them carefully before lighting any appliance
Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant
This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.53194, -111.57583
42°31'55"N, 111°34'33"W

Eight Mile Guard Station is located 11 miles southwest of Soda Springs. Head east on Main Street in Soda Springs. Turn right onto South 3rd Street E for 1 mile. Continue onto Bailey Creek 8 Mile Road for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto 8 Mile Road for half a mile. Continue onto Nounan Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Road 425/8 Mile Canyon Road/8 Mile Creek Road. Eight Mile Guard Station will be on the right in about 3.7 miles.

Maps are available upon request at the district office.