Overview
McCain Guard Station is a rustic cabin that is popular year-round. In summer, hikers and horseback riders frequent the cabin, and snowmobile enthusiasts make use of the cabin throughout the winter. Several trails are nearby, and the open meadows offer gentle sledding for younger riders. Winter access in by snowmobile only on a groomed trail.
Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the cabin welcomes guests to experience the rustic getaway with impressive scenery.
Recreation
Numerous creeks and the Little Greys River meander through the area, offering fishing opportunities. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails are also in the vicinity. This includes Big Springs Trail and the 9-mile Bailey Creek Trail along a portion of the designated Wild and Scenic Snake River Headwaters. Motorbikes are allowed on nearby Telephone Pass trail from 7/1-9/10.
Facilities
The nonelectric two-room dwelling fits six overnight guests and no additional guests may camp outside. A vault toilet, picnic table and fire ring are located outside behind the cabin.
Bunkbeds with mattresses are provided. The kitchen has basic amenities including a propane cook top, propane lighting and a table and chairs. A woodstove and propane heater are also provided, with firewood stacked for winter.
No water is available, and dishes, pots, pans and utensils are not provided. Recommended items to bring include drinking water, garbage bags, dish soap, dish towels, toilet paper, a flashlight, sleeping bags and pillows and cleaning products such as bleach or disinfectant.
Natural Features
Nestled in a mountain valley at 6,900 feet in elevation, the cabin is perched near a creek that flows into Little Greys River. Pines line the hillsides, but no trees are near enough to offer natural shade to the cabin complex. Deer, moose, elk, eagles and sandhill cranes are among the wildlife likely to be seen. An abundance of wildflowers color the landscape in summer. The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers more than 3.4 million acres of public lands for outdoor recreation. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, the forest comprises a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states.
Nearby Attractions
The cabin is 23 miles from Alpine, where the nearest grocery store, gas station and restaurant are located. Due to gravel mountain roads, this drive takes over an hour.
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