Overview
Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences. The cabin offers nearly everything needed for a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Peak season for the cabin is typically early June through late September. It can be accessed by most vehicles via dirt and gravel roads, but trailers are not recommended.
Recreation
The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These non-motorized trails are popular for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Off-road vehicle trails are also nearby. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.
The South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek offer opportunities for fishing. Berry picking and hunting are popular pastimes in season.
Facilities
The rustic cabin has two twin beds with mattresses in the loft, as well as two cots, a couch and a heater. A full size bed is in separate bedroom. The kitchen is equipped with a table and four chairs, an electric range and a refrigerator. Cookware and utensils are provided, including saucepans, pots and lids, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, utensils, knives, a cutting board, salad bowl and cookie sheet. A modern bathroom with a flush toilet and shower is available. Two picnic tables, a campfire ring and two grills are located outside behind the cabin. Guests must bring garbage bags to pack out their own trash. Bedding, lanterns or flashlights, towels and emergency drinking water are not provided.
Natural Features
Johnson Creek sits in a pretty mountain meadow a stone's throw from scenic Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River. Mountain slopes covered in dense pine forest surround the cabin.
Wildlife watchers may see deer, elk, bear and moose. Bald eagles are often spotted soaring overhead.
Nearby Attractions
The tiny community of Yellow Pine is a few miles north of the cabin and offers limited services. The popular Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival is held annually in August.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area