Pebble Guard Station
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Pebble Guard Station is located at the base of Bonneville Peak along beautiful Pebble Creek, a tributary of the Portneuf River. The rustic one-room cabin offers a secluded retreat on four fenced acres, surrounded by high mountain vistas.
The original Pebble Guard Station was built in 1908. The current structure stands at a higher altitude and was built in 1933.
Guests can drive to Pebble Guard Station during warmer months, but it can only be accessed by snowmobile or other snow means in the winter. Those arriving in winter should expect to haul their gear and supplies for about 6 miles on a groomed trail. The cabin supplies most of the comforts of home, especially during the warmer months, but guests may need to bring some additional items.
Pebble Guard Station can accommodate up to six people on the two bunkbeds and folding cots provided.
Cabin amenities include a mudroom with a sink, countertop, and seasonal shower facilities. The main room serves as the kitchen and sleeping room with two bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with chairs, folding cots, a broom and dustpan, and stove/oven. Propane appliances include lights, stove/oven, and water heater.
The propane heater located in the main room is currently not functional. Guests should come prepared with their own firewood to heat the cabin with the wood stove.
The cabin's water is shut off late September to May.
A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic table are located outside.
The parking area can accommodate up to 3 RVs.
The main access road, Pebble Road, FS #036, is closed after November 15 every year and guests will have to walk, bike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in approximately 6 miles on a groomed trail to the cabin. Winter guests should call the Westside Ranger District to check snow conditions before reserving this cabin from November through May. Winter guests need to bring their own water.
Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.
Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies are not available.
Need to Know
An access code for the gate and door is sent in the reservation confirmation email.
The propane heater located in the main room is currently not functional. Guests should come prepared with their own firewood to heat the cabin with the wood stove.
No water is available at the cabin during winter months beginning late September through May.
The main access road, Pebble Road, FS #036, is closed after November 15 every year and guests will have to walk, bike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in approximately 6 miles to the cabin.
Lighting instructions will be posted in the cabin; please read and follow them carefully before lighting any appliances.
Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant.
This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility.
Pets are allowed at the cabin, but guests must clean up after them and ensure that they don't damage furniture.
Please make sure fires in the outside campfire ring are extinguished completely before leaving the cabin. Abandoning campfires during any point in your stay at the cabin can result in a violation. Since water is not available during the off season at the cabin, please bring extra water to help extinguish a campfire.
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more.
Off-road vehicle stickers are required for ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles using the area.
Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin is located at 6,320 feet on the open foothills of Pebble Basin, which offers expansive views into the high country of Bonneville Peak. This peak is the highest
of the Portneuf Range, and the mountains of this range are covered with pine forest and green vegetation.
A variety of wildlife inhabits this area, including mule deer, elk, cougars, coyote and black bears (bear safety tips).
Nearby Attractions
Lava Hot Springs makes a fun day trip from the cabin. Visitors can enjoy a natural hot springs soaking pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, waterslides and diving
platforms. Two 9-hole disc golf courses are linked around the Lava Hot Springs pool complex.
Tubing on the Portneuf River is also a very popular activity. Tube rentals are available throughout town.
Recreation
Guests at Pebble Guard Station will find opportunities for recreation year-round. Hunting is a popular pastime, and a nearby beaver pond provides good fishing and wading. Trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles are nearby (Idaho OHV safety message). In winter, the area turns into a snowmobiling playground.
Contact Information
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4350 CLIFFS DRIVE POCATELLO ID 83204
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-236-7500
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Pebble Guard Station is located about 16 miles north of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Just east of Lava Hot Springs, look for the "Pebble Area" sign and turn left (north) onto Blaser Highway/Old Highway 30. Go north on the paved highway for 9 miles to Pebble Creek Road (known locally as Mike's Place or Whiskey Mike's). Turn left (west), across railroad tracks on gravel Forest Road 036. Travel 6.5 miles to the guard station. (This road is closed on November 15th of each year.) Big Springs Campground is 1/2-mile beyond the cabin.
