About Diamond Creek Guard Station
Overview Diamond Creek Guard Station is located 30 miles east of Soda Springs, Idaho. The current building was constructed in the early 1990â??s as a snowmobile warming hut. The cabin is accessible by car in warmer months and by snowmobile in winter. The cabin provides a few conveniences; however, guests should be prepared to bring the supplies and equipment they need to make their stay more comfortable.Recreation The Bear Canyon OHV Trail is about two miles north of the guard station . Hikers and mountain bikers will also find trails nearby. The area surrounding the cabin is a playground for snowmobilers and skiers in the winter months. Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek. The surrounding area also attracts big game and game bird hunters. Facilities The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. There are a total of four beds. Please bring your own sleeping pad and bedding. There are also two small lofts that provide an additional sleeping area. A wood stove heats the cabin. A vault toilet and picnic table is located outside. No water or electricity is available at the cabin. Guests will need to supply their own water for drinking, washing and cooking. Bedding, cookware, kitchen utensils and emergency supplies are not provided. Guests are required to bring garbage bags to pack out their trash. The cabin should be cleaned before leaving; guests should bring some cleaning supplies. Natural Features The cabin sits in a meadow at an elevation of 6,900 feet surrounded by the peaks of Dry Ridge and the Webster sub-range in southeastern Idaho. Stands of aspen and lodgepole pine dot the landscape. Wildlife in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest includes black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears , mountain lions and pronghorn.
How to Get There
From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the China Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River Narrows). This road will follow Blackfoot River for another 11 miles to a junction; there is a Forest Service sign at this point. Take the right fork (Caribou National Forest Road 102) southeast for another 12 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. The guard station is about 1 mile south of the Johnson Guard Station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
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 Diamond Creek Guard Station
Heading to Diamond Creek Guard Station? 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station?
No central reservation system listed for Diamond Creek Guard Station. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234771) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Diamond Creek Guard Station?
From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the China Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River Narrows). This road will follow Blackfoot River for another 11 miles to a junction; there is a Forest Service sign at this point. Take the right fork (Caribou National Forest Road 102) southeast for another 12 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. The guard st…
How do I contact Diamond Creek Guard Station?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-847-0375 .
References & Official Resources
