Warm Springs Guard Station

WARM SPRINGS GUARD STATION

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.

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.

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.

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.

Important Notices

Please call the district office with your reservation number during regular business hours (8 am - 4:30 pm M-F except holidays) for combinations and other inquiries at 208-259-3361.
No water is available in the cabin; water is available from a hand pump only in summer
Please pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving
Use of candles is discouraged because of fire danger
Campfires outside the cabin are permitted in metal fire ring only
Please do not use tents, motor homes or RVs at the cabin
Livestock is allowed from April 16 to December 14 only
Road to cabin is closed to motorized traffic from December 15 to April 15
Road is not plowed during the winter. Snow can start in October. Check the local weather for Lowman, Idaho or call the Lowman Ranger Station (208) 259-3361 prior to arriving to check on access to the cabin. Road to cabin is closed to motorized traffic from December 15 to April 15 and can only be reached by snowshoes or cross-country skis for the remainder of the year. Depending on the winter, there could still be limited access due to snow levels from April to June.
This permit is for personal, private recreation use;special events and/or large groups are discouraged
Pets must be under restrictive control at all times; guests are responsible for cleaning up after pets
Click here for more information about Boise 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.

Available Activities

SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
HIKING - Hiking
FISHING - Fishing
CAMPING - Camping

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.<br /><br /> 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.

Contact Information

7359 HIGHWAY 21
LOWMAN, ID 83637

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