Eight Mile Guard Station

$60.00/night

322 N. 4TH STREET
MONTPELIER, ID 83254

Overview

Eight Mile Guard Station is a short drive from Soda Springs, Idaho. It was established as early as 1908. Several buildings have appeared on this site, although most were replaced or relocated. The current cabin was built in 1962. The guard station only accessible by snowmobile or skiing in winter, and guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Many conveniences are provided, especially in the warmer months, but additional supplies and gear may be needed to ensure a comfortable stay.

Recreation

Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts can all find trails nearby (Idaho OHV safety message). The winter months attract snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

Anglers can fish in Eightmile Creek. This is also a popular area for hunting game and game birds.

Facilities

The guard station has a maximum capacity of 75 people. The cabin can sleep eight people on the four bunk beds provided; there are no mattresses. Renters will need to provide sleeping pads and bedding. The cabin contains an indoor bathroom with a seasonally available flush toilet and shower. A large kitchen is equipped with a dining area and propane range with oven. The living room has a propane heater and wood stove. Firewood may be provided during the winter months but must be chopped. The cabin is equipped with a solar lighting system and propane lights are used for backup lighting. Propane is provided for the lights, range and heater. An outhouse with vault toilet is just behind the cabin. There is also a campfire circle with benches. The large garage has been renovated to be used as an outdoor dining/entertainment facility. Water is not guaranteed, and there is no electricity. Guests should come prepared with their own water supply. Bedding, cookware, kitchen utensils and emergency supplies are not provided. Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash upon departure. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies are not available.

Natural Features

The cabin sits in a meadow at an elevation of 6,000 feet, surrounded by stands of tall conifer trees. Eightmile Creek meanders nearby. The rugged limestone and dolomite peaks of the Bear River Range stretch out around the cabin.

Visitors enjoy viewing summer wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife. Large populations of deer, elk and moose inhabit this rugged backcountry. Pikas and marmots are sometimes seen, and beavers make their home around mountain streams.

Nearby Attractions

Soda Springs attracts visitors for its variety of parks and historical landmarks. Visitors can see covered wagon ruts left in the soil from pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail, as well as explore Formation Springs and Cave. There's also a museum, a golf course and several places to shop and dine.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 75 people

Directions

Eight Mile Guard Station is located 11 miles southwest of Soda Springs. Head east on Main Street in Soda Springs. Turn right onto South 3rd Street E for 1 mile. Continue onto Bailey Creek 8 Mile Road for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto 8 Mile Road for half a mile. Continue onto Nounan Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Road 425/8 Mile Canyon Road/8 Mile Creek Road. Eight Mile Guard Station will be on the right in about 3.7 miles. Maps are available upon request at the district office.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

17 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Dewitt S

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Very nice updates to the property! Nice and clean!

Benjamin W

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

It was a great experience overall. Loved the place. A couple of the window blinds were in bad shape, and most of the light bulbs in the bedrooms were burned out. I donated 2 hours of my time weeding the volleyball pit and making it look nice for the next people. Would definitely come again!!

Ron A

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed 6 months ago

What a fantastic place to visit! So beautiful and peaceful. We all really enjoyed our stay. Here are a few things that you may find helpful... We were the first guests of the season (it appears) and were thankful for the broom and dustpan that were there in the facility because the floor was covered with bugs (mainly in the bathroom). Also, the water pressure was super low so we didn't use the inside toilet but the outhouse wasn't bad at all. There was also a disinfectant spray but that may have been leftover from the last guests so I will bring my own next time. We were also glad to have: Paper towels clorox wipes flashlights toilet paper An axe (plenty of wood was provided but needed to be split) We cooked with charcoal on the grill but the fire pit also had one of those rollover grates that can be put over the flames once the fire is built. We should have brought a bucket to extinguish the fire and ended up emptying our food cooler in order to do that. There is one exterior light but it's on the dining hall and doesn't do much for the cabin but it might be helpful if there are tents or RV's down in the parking area. Air mattresses aren't super comfy but it was nice to be up off the floor in those bunkbeds This is a fun place to stay and if you're alright with a glamping experience that is closer to camping than not, I highly recommend Eight mile guard station!

Joann G

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Beautiful area. Nice buildings. Lots of room everywhere. Only negative...not handicapped accessible. Lots of steep steps on cabin and rock steps on paths. Pleasantly surprised to find a tub and hot water for bathing, cleaning. Kitchen has running water that is not potable, but make sure you empty the bucket catching the drain water. Filled our families needs and had lots of pleasant surprises.

Joann G

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

A really great experience for our entire family. A place we could afford with access we needed for all. It is Not handicapped accessible in the cabin but with accessible campers or RVs can people can be included. Lots of parking and room to maneuver vehicles. The inaccessible aspects are cement and rock stairs, no bathroom grabbers etc. There appear to be additional amenities being added. Overall really great experience. Thank you!!!

Neal C

Loop:Eight Mile Guard Station

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Really like the improvements they have made and are making! Hope they will continue to refurbish or rebuild others in this area

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 1% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 2 years of reservations.