Lake Cascade State Park

The Park Today

January 13, 2009

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Attention Park Visitors:

Big Sage and Poison Creek Campgrounds are closed for redevelopment of the campgrounds and day use areas. The new campgrounds and day use areas will reopen in the summer of 2010. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during construction. If you have any questions please call or email: Lake Cascade State Park, 208-382-6544 or cas@idpr.idaho.gov.

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It is time for fun filled winter activities. The snow has arrived in Long Valley. This is a great time to get out and cross country ski, snow shoe or ice fish. For the hardy outdoor enthusiast there is an opportunity for some winter camping.

Lake Cascade has recently frozen over. Ice conditions vary widely around the lake; always determined the soundness of the ice at your location before venturing out onto the ice to fish, walk, skate, ski or snowmobile. Visitors are encourage to be prepared for all types of weather conditions from rain, snow, wind, sun, and sub zero temperatures. Typically, temperatures range from mid 40’s to mid 20’s during the daytime, with mid teens to low single digits at nighttime.

Skiers and snow-shoers, it is time to dust off the cross country skis and snow shoes. Lake Cascade State Park and Southern Valley County Recreation District have partnered to provide the area visitors with some snow shoeing and cross country skiing opportunities when there is enough snow accumulation.

Crown Point Railroad Grade Trail: is fast and easy 2.7 mile multi use trail. This trail is great for the beginner, or if you want a quick ski. The trail also has breath taking views and you may get a glimpse of the local wildlife frolicking in the winter wonderland. The trail is also used by snowmobilers, snow shoers, and dog sledders. Snowmobilers need to use caution and be courteous to all other users of the trail. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them.

Hasbrouck Ranch Trail: This trail system is located on Cabarton Road off of U.S. Highway 55, near mile marker 107 and offers a variety of terrain for skiers. There is approximately 6 miles of trail situated among Rolling Meadows and Aspen Groves with an abundance of winter creatures for viewing. This intermediate trail has beautiful views of Long Valley and the North Fork of the Payette River. Please keep your pet on leash and clean up after them.

Park Loop: This new 1.2 mile trail offers a flat terrain with rolling hills. The trail runs through Van Wyck and Ridgeview making a loop. It is a great trail for the beginner and intermediate skier or snowshoer. The trail offers breath taking views of Lake Cascade and West Mountain Ridgeline. Please keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them.

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You can win Prizes by putting your name in a box. The 2nd All Seasons Activities Drawing is under way. The All Seasons Activities is sponsored by Lake Cascade State Park, Southern Valley County Recreation District, Cascade Public Library and West Mountain Gear and Grind. Prizes include:
One month pass to Fit Express
An Idaho State Park Annual Pass
One night stay at Osprey Point Yurts
Two, One day ski rentals from Gear and Grind
A Rural Cascade Library Card good for one year.

You can sign up at the Southern Valley County Recreation District Office-Fit Express, Cascade Library, or Lake Cascade State Park Headquarters. You do not have to be present to win. Drawing will be held on President's Day Febraury 15, 2010. If you have any question please contact Lake Cascade State Park by phone at 1-208-382-6544 or email us at cas@idpr.idaho.gov.
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Camping and day use opportunities in the winter are limited to the plowed parking areas of Van Wyck, Blue Heron, and Poison Creek. There are vault restrooms available, however there are no picnic tables or fire rings (they are under snow), and no water. There is a $9.54 per night primitive camping fee. Extra vehicles (not in tow) are $5.30 per night. All fees include Idaho sales tax. To spend the day a $5.00 day use fee or annual passport is required. Please remember the annual passport is not valid for camping or extra vehicle fees. Please no fires on pavement.

The group yurts at Osprey Point are open year around for group use. There are breath taking views of the surrounding valley and you can cross country ski or snow shoe right from the yurts. The yurts can accommodate up to 30 people and is a great time to spend a weekend or weekday at the yurts, The yurts each have a wood burning stove to keep you nice and toasty warm, each yurt has a propane cook stove for cooking and lanterns, vault restrooms and water are available. If you want to try your luck at ice fishing or ice skating, from Osprey Point travel 2.5 miles north to Poison Creek and spend the day. To make reservations you can call the call center at 1-888-922-6743, reservations can be made 9 months in advance or 48 hours prior to your arrival date. No pets allowed.

If you are planning next year's camping trips. Sugarloaf, Huckleberry, Buttercup, West Mountain, and Ridgeview are available for reservations. You can make reservation 9 months in advance or 48 hours prior to your arrival date. To make reservations online through the website or call the call center at 1-888-922-6743. Reservations are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. There is a $10.60 (6% Idaho sales tax included) reservation fee that is nonrefundable and does not apply to the camp fees. Camping fees are $12.72/ $23.32 per night and depending on unit amenities. Extra vehicles (not in tow) are $5.30 per night.

Snowbank Group Use Area is available for reservation by call center only. Toll free number is 1-888-922-6743. Reservations for this area can be made 9 months in advance or 48 hours prior to your arrival date. Reservations are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. This area will accommodate up to 75 people and parking for 25 vehicles. This area is great for large family gatherings. RV’s are welcome to park in the parking lot. Central Water, vault toilets, and large fire ring are available.

The group use yurts at Osprey Point are open year around for group use. The yurts are offer breath taking views of the surrounding valley. This is great time to spend a weekend or weekday at the yurts. Water and vault toilets are available. The yurts can accommodate 30 people. A large fire ring is available for campfires and is great for roasting marshmallows, gazing up at the nighttime sky and sharing camp stories. If you want to try your luck at fishing, from Osprey Point travel 2.5 miles north to Poison Creek Unit and spend the day of relaxing fun in the day use area. To make reservations you can call the call center at 1-888-922-6743. Reservations can be made 9 months in advance or 48 hours prior to your arrival date.

The 2010 Idaho Park annual passports are available now, just in time for stocking stuffers or a present for friends or family. The prices for the annual passports are $35.00 for the first and $5.00 for the second. To purchase the Idaho Park annual passports you can go to Lake Cascade State Park office or any park office. Annual passport holders do not have to pay the $5.00 day use fee and can enjoy the day at any Idaho State Park. 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!