About ELK CREEK CABINS
Overview Elk Creek Cabins are open from November through April, offering a rustic retreat for winter sports enthusiasts. Guests must be prepared to snowmobile, snowshoe or ski at least 15 miles from the parking area to the cabin, and they are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. These cabins offer a few amenities, but guests will need to bring some of their own equipment and supplies to make their stay comfortable.Recreation Thirty miles of groomed trails surround the cabins, offering excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers and snowshoers can enjoy a backcountry adventure in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, but snowmobiles are not allowed. Facilities Cabin 1 can accommodate up to 10 people on three double beds and four cots with mattresses. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove and refrigerator. A fireplace, couch, chairs and dining table with chairs are in the front room. A wood stove is located off the kitchen for heating. Cabin 2 has two bedrooms that can accommodate a total of eight people. One single bed with mattress, three cots and two additional mattresses are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a dry sink, propane stove, table and chairs, a couch and wood stove. A picnic area and an outhouse with a vault toilet are located outside. Both cabins come equipped with some cookware and utensils for cooking and eating. Firewood for both cabins is provided in a woodshed, but may need to be split. An axe and splitting maul are provided. Neither cabin has electricity or water. Guests must bring their own water as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Bedding, lighting and emergency supplies are not provided. Natural Features Elk Creek Cabins are located in beautiful but remote Bear Valley at an elevation of 6,400 feet. They are adjacent to the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness and scenic Elk Creek. The cabins are situated in a high mountain meadow dotted with Dougl
How to Get There
From Lowman, ttake State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and snowmobile/ski/snowshoe on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek. Alternate access from the Boise area if Highway 21 is closed between Grandjean and Banner Summit: from Lowman, snowmobile north on the Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 miles. Go west on the Stanley-Landmark Road for approximately 3 miles to the cabin. Depending on grooming conditions, alternate routes may be available. Take a map and check local conditions.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ELK CREEK CABINS
Heading to ELK CREEK CABINS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ELK CREEK CABINS?
No central reservation system listed for ELK CREEK CABINS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232401) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ELK CREEK CABINS?
From Lowman, ttake State Highway 21 east approximately 40 miles to Cape Horn. Park in the plowed parking lot and snowmobile/ski/snowshoe on the Stanley-Landmark Road (FS579) for approximately 15 miles to Elk Creek. Alternate access from the Boise area if Highway 21 is closed between Grandjean and Banner Summit: from Lowman, snowmobile north on the Clear Creek Road (FS582) for approximately 34 mile…
References & Official Resources