You will begin to unwind long before you even reach the property. As you turn on to the Big Salmon Road, we recommend you roll the windows down and pick you favorites music. Indulge all of your senses as you meander 45 minutes up the beautiful Salmon River canyon. Stop along the way to take photos and visit with the river. Take a moment.
This trip will be an experience, not just a stay.
The cabin sits at the confluence of the Big Salmon River and the rambunctious French Creek. Thousands of people have passed thru here over the centuries. Many in search of fish and game or gold, others looking for a rugged place to call home. Others yet, come to build amazing engineering feats of blasting roads in to granite and building bridges over mighty rivers. This historic creek side cabin was once an inn for weary travelers in the days of Idaho's second gold rush of the 1930's.
Welcome to the French Creek Inn. Take a step back in time.
The Inn is off grid.. That means things are a little different out here. For starters, you can leave your electronics in the car- it's time to unplug from your busy life Although the cabin is rustic, it has everything that you need for a very comfortable stay. We use solar panels with batteries for power and propane for cooking, refrigeration and hot water. There are both electric and old fashioned propane lights. *In the darker winer months it is sometimes necessary to use the generator to boost the batteries. Fuel and instructions will be provided*
Our water comes both from the creek and a well. We provide purified water for drinking and cooking water (1 gallon per guest per day). *Guests are encouraged to bring extra water or a filter, especially during hot summer months.*
The kitchen is well stocked, as the owner runs a restaurant and loves to cook. There's a vintage propane range (with oven), an outdoor grill, and a medium sized propane refrigerator(with freezer). We recommend keeping an extra cooler on the porch for beverages. *Be sure to bring plenty of ice*
The living area has plenty of sitting room with comfy couches a big cozy woodstove. Firewood is provided. Curl up, stretch out, or gather the group for games, cocktails, and good stories. There are lots of books, including several on local history, games, puzzles and darts too!
The downstairs bedroom is private with a creek view, queen bed and full bath. The upstairs loft has three semi-private queen beds, a half bath and a fantastic porch looking over French Creek. We provide high quality towels and linens.
The front porch for perfect for sipping coffee creekside, and there is a firepit to enjoy the starry nights. Our wood fired sauna and outdoor shower will provide you with a healing experience.
There are lots of nice quiet spaces to sit creekside and read, or simply enjoy being immersed in nature.
Furthermore, the French Creek Inn offers amazing access to the magical Salmon River canyon and the backcountry beyond.. The cabin sits on over 50 acres of private land, and is adjacent to Forest Service and BLM lands. There are endless miles of roads and trails and river to explore! Enjoy whitewater rafting, boating, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, hiking, and biking, Pick wild apricots, blackberries, and apples. Take a drive up the French Creek grade for amazing views and a soak at Burgdorf Hot Springs.
Come to the French Creek Inn and unwind. Take a step back to a time when life was simpler. An adventure awaits you.