The
Yipping Coyote is a portrayal of creative resourcefulness, challenging
the definition of "waste"...stories of old life given
new, its components serving as working examples of an intact nutrient
cycle and environmentally appropriate and practical adaption to
changing times.
Educational programs,
recreationally-oriented social gatherings, or romantic interests,
the secluded and unique Yipping Coyote yurt is an ideal year-round
getaway. Located in the foothills of the Pioneer Mountains, along
a spur
of the Oregon Trail and adjacent to the Craters
of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, the Yipping
Coyote is nestled in an Aspen grove 140' above the valley floor
with views in nearly every direction. 300° are framed by the
Pioneers while the remaining 60 is a window to the Great
Rift and the largest lava field of its type in the Lower
48.
In addition to the charming landscape,
this yurt is within large tracts of private land protected by restricted
access and conservation easements. This not only preserves the biological
and historical resources, it assures privacy and tranquility for
guests and a greater chance of seeing wildlife. This is home to
bear, cougar, bobcat, wolves, foxes, and coyotes as well as elk,
moose, deer, pronghorn, and more. Elk are often seen in the fall
and heard bugling. Pronghorn are common in the spring, moose are
seen with some regularity most months, and it's not uncommon to
see bear in the summer. Deer and smaller wildlife are commonplace...
and coyotes can clearly be heard yipping most evenings under one
of the darkest skies in the nation.
Catching
whiffs of sage and aspen, while listening to the symphony of coyotes
and staring at the Milky Way, is like stepping back into the Wild
West. It is an ambiance unlike any other. Welcome to the Yipping
Coyote yurt!

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A
Variety of Ski Terrain |
Adbundant
Wildlife |
Expansive
Views |
Beautiful
Sunrises |
The yurt: Handcrafted
in Stanley, Idaho in 1987 by "the father of backcountry yurts",
Kirk Bachman, this 20' diameter yurt was first erected in the City
of Rocks National Reserve area and used for counseling the
chemically dependent. It spent the next 20 years of its life along
the Salmon River near Riggins, serving
as guest lodging for a river outfitter. Badly dilapidated, it was
salvaged just prior to its trip to the landfill in 2013. After massaging
the shell back to life, other rescued materials were used to custom
build the new door, skylight, and furnishings as well as the outhouse,
rainwater/snowmelt harvester, sauna, shower, and hot tub. From the
ground up, this project was built almost entirely from repurposed
and salvaged materials, each piece artfully reshaped for its new
life. The patina of time and story behind every component add another
dimension.
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Salvage
near Riggins. |
New
platform. New location |
Heating
shower water in the wood-fired water heater. |
Salvaged
materials lend themselves to handcrafting. |
Welcome! |
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Enjoy
the views of the Pioneers or Milky Way from a one-of-a-kind
wood-fired hot tub. |
Table
built on
salvaged yurt compression ring.
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Indoor
loo. |
A
little fun throughout. |
Composting
toilet. Finished compost nourishes area trees, completing
the natural cycle. |
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Firewood
storage also harvests rainwater & snowmelt. Collected
water is piped downhill to yurt. |
Greywater
reuse. Water from the kitchen sink runs to a sub-mulch basin
watering trees/bushes. |
Wood
fired sauna made from reclaimed grain hopper & other
salvaged materials. |
Firing
up the sauna in an early fall evening. |
When done
yurting, enjoy the hotspring a few miles down the road.
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Access: Mountain
bike, skis, or snowshoes (limited vehicular access for special
spring and summer events - high clearance vehicles only).
Distance: Depending
on route: 7 miles for summer travelers and 3.3 miles for skiers.
One way.
Difficulty:
The mountain bike route is mostly flat with two relatively
gentle and short hill climbs. The steepest climbs 140' in .4 miles.
The winter route is not groomed,
mostly exposed, and undulating. The only climb to speak of gains
225' in 1/4 mile. Depending on the conditions and level of fitness,
it takes between 2 and 3.5 hours to ski in and 3.5 to 5.5+ hours
to snowshoe in (snowshoers should be in excellent physical condition!).
The group leader should have experience in winter travel and avalanche
safety. A Yurt Rent Guide is required
for first time visitors.
Highlights: Volcanism,
historical Goodale
Cutoff, wildlife, wildflowers, solitude, a variety of ski
terrain (conditions dependent), hiking, vast views, sauna, hot
tub, unique yurt and landscape.
Best visit times:
Mid May to mid June for the most greenery, wildflowers, and wildlife
variety; late fall for best chance of seeing and hearing elk bugle;
mid January for the best snow.
Max occupancy:
8 (there is tent space outside
for larger summer groups)
Provisions & amenities:
- wood-fired hot tub with pre-cut firewood
(October - April)
- wood-fired sauna with pre-cut firewood
(October - April)
- running water inside yurt (April - October)
- three seperate decks and table against
yurt for conversation, views, eating
- gravity fed water filter/purifier
- wood heated outdoor shower with views
(April - October)
- ample and varying seating arrangments,
inside and out
- 3 bunk beds with sleeping pads (bottom
of 2 bunks are futons for couples. Fold into couches by day
seating 2-3 people each)
- dining table with seating for 6
- 9' long window bench with view overlooking
valley floor and Pioneers beyond
- 8' long kitchen counter with double
sink, extra shelves,and pantry
- basic cookware, cups, and eating utensils
- wood stove with glass door for fire
viewing
- pre-cut firewood for heating/cooking
- battery powered lanterns with backup
propane lantern
- portable propane
2-burner cook stove
- outhouse with skylight roof, composting
toilet, solar light, and view
- private indoor loo (number 1 only!) for
those who would rather stay within the warmth of the yurt
at night
- small library: local fauna, flora, and
geological guides; conservation; building inspiration; philosophy;
health; & more
- guestbook including history of place,
reflections, orgin and story of each component of yurt including
explanation of greywater, composting, sauna, tub, shower,
and rainwater/snowmelt harvesting system
- maps of the area showing alternative
routes, additional skiing and mountain biking, and points
of interest for exploration
Guests only need to bring:
- sleeping bag
- food
- appropriate clothing
- personals
Fees, Frequently
Asked Questions, and Itinerary Ideas
It is a magnificent weekend journeying in
and out, enjoying the yurt in the interim and topping the experience
off with a soak in the hotspring. There are also many fun options
to enhance the adventure whether it be additional skiing or
mountain biking, or hiking to incredibly expansive views. Check
out the Itinerary Ideas.
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