Lake Cascade State Park

The Park Today

Attention Lake Cascade State Park Users:

Winter access areas that are plowed and maintained are Blue Heron, Van Wyck and Poison Creek Boat ramp parking areas, Crown Point free lot and the Crown Point Railroad trail head. All other roads and parking areas are not plowed during the winter months. Sage Bluff Campground and Day Use is closed due to recent resource and utility damage. This area will reopen when weather improves. For further information or questions, please call the park office at 208-382-6544.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Attention Lake Cascade Boat Users:
Lake Cascade State Park will be submitting a Waterways Improvement Grant for Poison Creek Boat Ramp parking area and ramp. The grant proposal includes expanding and resurfacing the existing parking area, removal of old nonfunctioning restroom on south end of the ramp, improved lighting, and renovate the boat launch ramp. =====================================================
February 9, 2012

The nighttime temperatures are dipping into the single digits and the daytime highs are in the mid twenties to low thirties. This is a great time to take a walk in the brisk air or for the hardy enthusiast, there are some opportunities for some winter camping.

Lake Cascade has frozen over.Visitors that enter out onto the ice, do so at their own risk. Ice conditions can vary or there may still be open water in various locations.

Visitors need to be prepared for all types of weather conditions from rain, snow, wind, sun and subzero temperatures. Temperatures can range from the mid 40’s to mid 20’s in the daytime, with mid teens to single digit or below zero temperatures at night.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We finally got snow. Cross Country Skiing is available at Crown Point Railroad Trail and Park Loop. For the most current information on these trais or if you questions contact the park office at 208-382-6544.

Cross Country Ski Report
Crown Point Railroad Trail:
Date Last Groomed: 2-1-2012
Classic Track
Conditions: fair with icy spots.

Park Loop Trail
Date: 2-1-2012
Classic Track and Skating Lane
Conditions: fair with icy spots and a few bare areas.

For information on the Hasbrouck Ranch and Smalley Cross Country Ski Trails contact Southern Valley County Recreation District. 208-382-5136 or www.svcrec.org.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For the hearty camping enthusiasts, Van Wyck, Blue Heron, and Poison Creek boat ramping parking areas. The camping fees are $10.60 per night. Extra vehicles (not in tow) are $8.48 per night. (Idaho sales tax included) There are vault toilets are available. There are no campfires allowed on the paved parking areas.
******************************************************
******************************************************
There are day use available at Blue Heron and Van Wyck boat ramp parking area, Sugarloaf, and Poison Creek. There is a $5.00 per day fee to enter the park units, unless you have purchased an Idaho State Park and Recreation annual pass.
******************************************************
******************************************************
The group yurts at Osprey Point are open year around for group use. They offer 360 degree of breath taking views of the surrounding area and occasional visit from the local wildlife. Anytime is a great time to spend the weekend or week day at the yurts. The yurts can accommodate 30 people and the parking lot can have 5 extra RV’s or tents along with the other vehicles. Each yurt has sleeping accommodations, table and chairs , a wood stove to keep you warm, propane cooking stoves and lanterns. A large fire ring is available until snow covers it, for star gazing, roasting marshmallows, and telling camp stories. Drinking water and vault toilets are also available. If you want to try your luck at ice fishing, travel 2.5 miles north of Osprey Point to Poison Creek day use area and spend the day of fishing on the ice or other winter activities. Visitors entering onto the ice, do so at their own risk.

======================================================
Are you planning your next summer vaction? Start planning now for 2012 family outdoor adventures and gatherings. Big Sage, Sage Bluff Ridgeview, Sugarloaf, Huckleberry, Buttercup, West Mountain, and Poison Creek are available for reservations. You can make reservations 9 months in advance or 24 hours prior to your arrival date. To make your reservations; you can go online to www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov or by calling the call center at 1-888-922-6743. Reservations are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There is a $10.60 reservation fee which is nonrefundable and does not apply to your camping fees. Camping fees range from $14.84 to $42.40 per night and depending amenities available at the unit. Extra vehicles (not in tow) are $8.48 per night. (All fees include Idaho sales tax)

Big Sage and Poison Creek Shelters offer picnic tables, BBQ grills, and electricity for special occasions and events. You can reserve these sites 9 months in advance and/or 24 hours prior to arrival. For more information or to make reservations, please call the park office at 208-382-6544 or by email at cas@idpr.idaho.gov.

If you are looking for a nice place for a special event or family gatherings, the park has some great opportunities for groups.

Snowbank Group Use Area is available for reservations by call center only. The toll free phone number is 1-888-922-6743. Reservations can be made 9 months in advance or 24 hours prior to your arrival date. Reservations are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This area will accommodate up to 75 people and parking for 25 vehicles. RV’s are welcome to park in the parking lot. Central water, vault toilets and a large fire ring are available.

The group use yurts at Osprey Point are open year around for group use. They offer 360 degree breath taking views of the surrounding area and occasional visit from the local wildlife. Anytime is a great time to spend the weekend or weekday at the yurts. The yurts can accommodate 30 people and parking lot can have 5 extra RV’s or tents along with the other vehicles. Each yurt has sleeping accommodations, table and chairs, wood stoves to keep you warm, propane cooking stoves and lanterns. A large fire ring is available for star gazing, roasting marshmallows, and telling camp stories. There are picnic tables and an open area to for setting up a volleyball net in the summer. Water and vault toilets are also available. If you want to try your luck fishing, from Osprey Point travel 2.5 miles north to Poison Creek day use area and spend the day of relaxing fun. Reservations are available by call center only. The toll free phone number is 1-888-922-6743. Reservations can be made 9 months in advance or 24 hours prior to your arrival date.

The 2012 Idaho park annual passports are available for purchase. Annual passport holders do not have to pay the $5.00 day use fee and can enjoy the day at any Idaho State Park. The prices for the annual passports are $40.00 for the first pass and $15.00 for the second. To purchase the Idaho annual passports you can come to Lake Cascade State Park or any park office. These make great Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers. Please remember the annual passport is not valid for camping or extra vehicle fees.

Come and enjoy the fresh mountain air, wonderful views, and many recreational opportunities available at Lake Cascade State Park.

“We are your recreation destination!”