Deer Park Cabin
This site was originally established as Deer Park Ranger Guard Station in 1913, and a cabin was built here in 1917. This cabin, along with many others in Boise National Forest, was replaced in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Deer Park Cabin looks much the same today as it did in the 1930s.
The cabin is available from mid-May through late September, and it's easily accessible by car in good weather. Many creature comforts are provided, but guests may need to bring additional gear and supplies to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The cabin accommodates six people on a futon and two sets of bunkbeds with mattresses. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane stove, cookware, dishes, utensils and a dry sink. Garbage collection is provided.
A vault toilet outhouse is just outside. A shed to the right of the cabin houses a hand pump for potable water. A picnic table and campfire ring are located out front.
The cabin has no indoor plumbing or electricity. Bedding, pillows, lighting and emergency supplies are not provided.
Need to Know
- Please call the Idaho City Ranger District at (208) 392-6681 24-48 hours prior to your arrival to confirm the lock combination for the cabin
- Tents, RVs and motor homes are not allowed at this site
- Parking is limited
- The unpaved roads are graded and generally in good, but somewhat rough condition; they can be traveled in good weather by two wheel drive passenger cars or trucks
- Livestock, such as saddle, pack or draft animals, is not allowed at this site
- Please clean the cabin before leaving
- 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.
Natural Features
Deer Park Cabin is located in an open meadow lined with mature Ponderosa pines at an approximate elevation of 4,400 feet. Nearby, the North Fork Boise River rushes over rocks and through jagged granite walls studded with pine trees.
Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Bears are occasional visitors to the area as well. A variety of waterfowl are attracted to the river, as well as bald eagles and osprey.
Recreation
The North Fork Boise River Trail, which begins directly behind the cabin, leads hikers upstream. The 5-mile trail passes through some of the roughest, most scenic canyon walls in Idaho before dipping down to the river's edge to pass by a rock bluff.
Horse Heaven Trail begins about a mile from the cabin and connects with the Swanholm/Warrior Trails. All these trails are open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, dirt bikers and motorcyclists, although some of the sections of the trail may be particularly difficult for motorcycles. Click here for an Idaho OHV Safety Message.
The river flows across the road from the cabin, offering good rainbow trout fishing after about July 1st. Big game hunting is also a popular pastime in the area.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 129 IDAHO CITY ID 83631
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Idaho City, take State Highway 21 for 18 miles to Crooked River/Little Owl Road #384. Turn right and stay on Road #384 for 13.5 miles to North Fork Boise River Road #327. Turn left on Road #327 and drive upstream for 5 miles to Hunter Creek Road #348. Go straight ahead on Road #348 for 1/4 mile where you will see a meadow in front of you and a lower standard road turning off to the right. This road will lead you to Deer Park Cabin, about 300 yards in.
