We are thrilled you will be staying at Big Creek Lodge—a beautiful, non-profit operation built by the Idaho Aviation Foundation (and people like you) for the public to enjoy! Here is some information that will help you prepare for your stay. By proceeding with the reservation, you accept and agree with Big Creek Lodge that the reservation, if accepted by us, shall be on the terms and conditions as follows:
GENERAL
• You will be off the grid! Big Creek has no public utilities which means you get to disconnect from the real world. Enjoy your trip by embracing what we don’t have! For example, we have no landline or cellular phone services, and there is no television although there are plenty of books, board games, and WIFI calling. Our internet capability is limited but guests may use the internet for low intensity browsing, flight planning/closing and weather forecasts etc. (that means streaming video and data hungry apps like YouTube, Facebook, Netflix, etc. are discouraged.)
–•We generate electricity from our own hydroelectric system from tiny McCorkle Creek near the lodge. At peak performance, it generates about 4.5 kw of power for the entire lodge. For perspective, a hairdryer uses over 1.0 kw!! Therefore, we ask that you leave your hairdryer at home. It’s part of the charm of Big Creek! In addition, electricity in the rooms may have some power surges; we encourage you to use the surge protected power strips for your devices.
• Big Creek Lodge is a unique experience and is a once-in-a-lifetime event for some guests. Part of the fun is meeting new people who are just as fascinating as you! We depend on our guests to respect one another and behave in a way for all guests to fully enjoy their visit
• Your Hosts take pride in making your visit a happy and memorable one. They are responsible for everything at the site so may not be immediately available when you want something. We hope you will understand the demands on their day.
•The Big Creek Lodge is owned and operated by the Idaho Aviation Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit. Continued operation in the backcountry depends partly on donations from the public. You could make your mark by helping out a little, or even donating while you are here! Notwithstanding those options, we hope you enjoy your visit thoroughly.
RATES AND PAYMENT
• Rates are in US Dollars
• The minimum age to reserve a room is 18.
• Rates for the Lodge rooms include up to 2 breakfasts per room per night, use of mountain bikes/fishing gear, and access to “Big Creek Feats” activities, etc. If you wish, a sack lunch can be arranged to help you explore the area—please request this upon check in or well ahead of time. Should you opt to skip your breakfast there is no refund or substitution.
• The Yurt is currently not available for 2026
• The rates quoted are based on your period of stay. Children under the age of 3 stay free and must stay in a room with at least one adult.
• The maximum number of guests allowed per room is 3 unless the children are 3 years old or younger.
• There is a $100 charge for a cot to be added to a room but there is only room for a cot in some of the rooms and the cot does not include breakfast.
• Unusual permutations of combinations can be negotiated with the manager.
• Adults accompanying children are responsible for the children’s behavior and their supervision.
• When completing a reservation via phone or online, your credit card will be charged for the full amount of your reservation, and a confirmation email will be provided to you.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIME
• Check-in time is after 2:00 pm and checkout time is 10:30 am. It is common and encouraged for guests to arrive before room check-in time, which is especially helpful for pilots flying in. If you arrive early, your bags can be stored and you may enjoy breakfast (served ‘til noon) and the lodge facilities until your room is available.
• Checking in after 6 pm is possible, but we ask that you coordinate evening arrivals with the staff prior to arrival. The Hosts have many duties on the site and off the site, so they may not be available after dinner.
• A valid government-issued identification is required at check-in. You will be asked to provide a credit card number to have on file for incidentals.
• Late checkouts might be accommodated; please inquire with the staff upon check-in if you think you need it. A $25 late departure charge may be incurred but will be discussed with you prior to charging your credit card.
CANCELLATONS/REFUNDS POLICY:
“Life goes on” they say, and we recognize that there will always be changes to priorities and schedules. Our policies for cancellations and refunds are:
• Above all, we do not want anyone making flying decisions because of fear of losing a room payment. Any room cancelled as a result of bad weather, in flight visibility, airplane maintenance issues or any flight safety concern can be
- 1. Refunded minus a $25 handling fee or
- 2. Rebooked or
- 3. The account banked for a future stay within 1 year.
Cancellations for other than flight safety will fall into two categories.
• Cancellations more than 30 days prior to the scheduled arrival date can be:
- 1. Refunded minus a $25 handling fee or
- 2. Rebooked or
- 3. The account banked for a future stay within 1 year.
• Cancellations 30 days or less from the scheduled arrival date may be:
- 1. Cancelled with no refund or
- 2. Rebooked or
- 3. The account banked for a future stay within one year.
- (After 1 year the reservation is cancelled without refund.)
• Big Creek Lodge may, at its discretion, cancel the reservation if we have reason to believe the reservation information provided is falsified or incomplete.
• In the event you complete a booking based on a rate that has been incorrectly posted, we reserve the right to correct the rate, and will contact you directly in order to do so.
PET POLICY
• Big Creek Lodge knows some guests love to travel with their pets, and we welcome well-behaved, quiet dogs, but reserve the right to have them removed if their behavior is disruptive or they cause damage to the property. Pets are prohibited in the lodge kitchen.
• A one-time $50 non-refundable pet fee will be charged per room per stay. The pet owner will be held responsible for cleaning up after the pet and for any damage caused by the pet..
• A one-time $50 non-refundable fee will be charged per party when staying at the yurt. The pet owner will be held responsible for cleaning up after the pet and for any damage caused by the pet.
Some guests are allergic, apprehensive or simply do not enjoy dogs like you might, so for the safety and comfort of all guests and pets alike, you should keep your pet on a leash on the Big Creek Lodge site (and for heaven’s sake, at the Airstrip as well, for their and aircraft/human safety). Please be responsible and clean up after your pet; we will be happy to provide doggy do-do bags if you need them!
OTHER
• You agree to indemnify and hold Big Creek Lodge harmless in respect of any liability, loss, damage, cost and expense of any nature arising out of, and/or in connection with the acceptance or cancellation of the reservation by the Lodge.
• Big Creek Lodge may amend and/or otherwise change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the lodge, cabins, or yurt.