Yellowjacket Guard Station
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service Ranger Station and Work Center. Originally constructed in 1925 and remodeled in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the structure is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The spacious guard station can sleep a maximum of three people in two bedrooms, with one full bed and one single bed. No linens or bedding are provided. The living room contains a couch, wood stove, table and chairs.
The small kitchen is equipped with a propane range/oven, a propane refrigerator and sink, but no running water. Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as dishes, utensils and cookware.
The guard station is eqiuped with propane lights and an outhouse toilet that is located outside up a small hill.
Need to Know
- No walk-ins allowed; reservations must be made via this National Recreation Reservation Service website
- Water is not available at the facility; guests will need to bring their own
- Bring garbage bags; this is a pack it in, pack it out facility
- Hay brought in for horses must be certified weed-free
- The guard station remains locked; the combination code for the back door can be found in the reservation confirmation letter
- Fire restrictions may be in effect, prompting possible closures
- Due to the remoteness of this rental and budget/personnel constraints, the Forest Service cannot guarantee all services and amenities including a supply of firewood
- Guests should be aware of the risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
- Click here for more information on the Salmon-Challis 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 guard station sits in the Yellowjacket Mountains within the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho. The sizable front porch awards views of the scenic mountain meadow surrounding the station. A dense conifer forest covers the mountains and a few aspens dot the landscape. Beagle Creek flows nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Bighorn Crags, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area and Panther Creek.
Recreation
Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts will find many trails in the surrounding area. Hunting is also a popular activity. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message
Contact Information
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311 MCPHERSON ST SALMON ID 83467
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-756-5209
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Salmon, Idaho, take Highway 93 south 5 miles, to a right turn at Shoup Bridge onto Forest Road 021 and travel 44.5 miles to Cobalt Work Center facility on Panther Creek Road 055. Continue 8 miles south on Panther Creek Road, where you will come to Porphury Creek turnoff to the right, heading west. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station.
From Challis, Idaho, take Highway 93 north 8 miles, to a left turn on Morgan Creek Rd. Travel 6 miles and take a slight right onto Forest Road 055/ Morgan Creek Rd. Continue 26.7 miles and take a left on Porphury Creek/ Forest Road 112. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station.
