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Cascade Ranger District

The Cascade Ranger District is the northern most District on the Boise National Forest.  Encompassing over 400,000 acres, the District offers a diverse resource management program including:  Recreation, Wildlife, Fisheries, Timber, Range and Watershed.

The small town of Cascade is nestled in the mountains of central Idaho approximately 75 miles north of Boise on Idaho State Highway 55. It is located in Long Valley between the North Fork of the Payette River (known for its world-class kayaking) and Cascade Lake and the South Fork Salmon River (two of the top fisheries in Idaho).  The Cascade Ranger District offers year-round outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for everyone. 

The Cascade District is also a great jumping off point for the western portions of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Access the main stem of Pistol Creek inside the Wilderness via Snowshoe Summit. Take NFS road 447 from Landmark, then take NFS road 447E to Snowshoe Summit to the Wilderness boundary.

SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS might include fishing along Cascade Lake or swimming at Warm Lake, riding motorcycles or ATVs, hiking on one of the many trails or maybe camping at the beautiful Shore Line Campground. 

Make any reservations at www.recreation.gov.

Cascade Ranger District Contact Information and Hours

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 58 results

Amanita Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Amanita Campground is located next to scenic Lake Cascade in west-central Idaho. It is near the town of Donnelly, at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are popular…

Bear Creek / Warm Lake Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Biking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Bear Creek / Warm Lake Trailhead is a one-acre site with an information kiosk and a memorial trail marker in honor of fallen wildland firefighters.

Billy Rice Swim Beach

Site Open
Water Activities
The Billy Rice Swim Beach is a favorite spot on a hot summer day for a swim and picnic.The small sandy beach is surrounded by tall trees and located near Picnic Point and Shoreline…

Blue Lake Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking
The Blue Lake Trailhead is a two-acre site with restroom and hitching racks.

Buck Mountain Campground

Site Closed
Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Scenic Drives Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning
The Buck Mountain Campground, near Landmark, Idaho offers 4 campsites in a peaceful, remote setting near mountain slopes covered in dense pine forest. Peak season for the campground is typically…

Burnt Log / McClure Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking
The Burnt Log / McClure Trailhead is a one-acre trailhead with visitor information serves both Burnt Log (#075) and McClure (#089) trails.  Located near Buck Mountain Campground. Burnt Log Trail …

Campbell Creek Boat Ramp

Site Open
Water Activities
The Campbell Creek Boat Ramp is on the lower southwest corner of Lake Cascade provides a large, paved parking lot that can accommodate trailers and motorhomes. There is a concrete ramp and two docks…

Last updated March 24th, 2025