Coeur d'Alene National Forest Devil's Elbow Campground

## Overview

Devil's Elbow Campground is perched on the banks of the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, providing a perfect escape for a warm summer weekend. Here, visitors can camp in tents or RVs and spend their days fishing or floating the river.

## Recreation

Rafting, swimming and kayaking are favorite activities on the river. Rafters will find class I-III rapids further down the river. Catch-and-release cutthroat trout fishing is also popular.   
  
Visitors also enjoy explore the river valley on foot to see nearby Downey Creek or Valitons Creek.

## Facilities

Devil's Elbow Campground has 20 campsites including one host site and a group site. The group site can accommodate up to 50 people. Amenities include hand-pump drinking water and vault toilets.  
  
Campground roads are paved and parking spurs are short but wide enough for parking two vehicles alongside a trailer.

## Natural Features

The campground sits among lodgepole and other mixed pines along the river at an elevation of 2,600 feet. The area is located in the Coeur d'ALene Mountains, 69 miles from popular Coeur d'Alene Lake.  
  
Wildlife watchers and photographers have the chance to see mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.

Devils Elbow

## Overview

Berlin Flats Group Area is located along Shoshone Creek, near the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. This area provides a perfect escape for a warm summer weekend. Here, visitors can tent camp or pull out their RVs and trailers. The nearby river provides ample fishing and river floating opportunities.

## Recreation

Catch-and-release cutthroat trout fishing is also popular on Shoshone Creek, and the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Rafting, swimming and kayaking are favorite activities on the water.

## Facilities

Berlin Flats Group Area was formed from 9 single family sites. The group area can accommodate up to 75 people. Amenities include drinking water and vault toilets within 10 miles.

## Natural Features

The campground sits among lodgepole and other mixed pines along the river at an elevation of 2,600 feet. The area is located among peaks of the Cascades, about 70 miles from the popular Coeur d'Alene Lake. Wildlife watchers and photographers have the chance to see mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.

Berlin Flats

## Overview

Little Guard Lookout, located about 9 miles north of Shoshone Camp, was one of the last remaining fire lookouts used in the Coeur d'Alene River area and has only just recently become inactive.   
  
The structure standing today on Little Guard Peak is the third in a series of lookout buildings that originated back to 1919. In October 1990, Little Guard Lookout was accepted for listing in the National Historic Lookout Register and the first for Idaho.

## Recreation

Hiking is a great way to explore and take in the scenery of the grand mountains. The lookout provides access to the Shoshone Ridge Trail #81, a very nice day hike for visitors to the lookout. The trail provides many scenic viewpoints, but there is no source of water along the way, so hikers must bring plenty of their own. 

## Facilities

The fully furnished two-story fire lookout has dimensions of 14 x 14 feet, an external cat walk, and a gabled roof. It sleeps four guests, with one single bed and three fold-up cots available. Quarters are tight and at least two cots will need to be set up downstairs in the kitchen area.   
  
The kitchen is on the ground floor and is equipped with a small propane refrigerator, propane cook stove, table, chairs and basic cooking utensils. Propane for the stove and refrigerator is also provided.   
  
The outdoor pit toilet is within 200 feet of the lookout. It comes with biodegradable toilet paper. Other amenities include a propane heater upstairs and propane lanterns, but renters will need to bring their own propane for these.   
  
No water or electricity is available. Visitors should bring plenty of water. A mountain spring is within a half-mile by footpath, and can be boiled and treated for consumption.   
  
In addition to water, guests should bring food, propane for lanterns and heater, matches or lighters, warm clothing, garbage bags, insect repellent, towels and washcloths, toiletries, dish soap and a first aid kit. Air mattresses or sleeping pads are also recommended. 

## Natural Features

At an elevation of 6,031 feet, the lookout boasts spectacular views overlooking the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River and the Bitterroot Mountains, with views of nearby Downey Peak to the northwest.   
  
Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.

Little Guard Lookout

## Overview

Kit Price is a beautiful campground overlooking the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Campers enjoy the benefits of the river by fishing along the banks, swimming and floating. Hiking is also a great way to see mountain views.

“Past visitors may notice a change in the appearance and openness in the park due recent removal of dead and diseased trees. This was done to improve safety for visitors and to improve forest health. New tree plantings are currently being planned to replace some of those lost and to increase the natural appearance of the campground for years to come. Please visit our website for additional information.”

## Recreation

Tubing, swimming and kayaking on the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River are popular summertime activities. Rafters like to head downstream for the class I-III rapids. Catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout is also popular.

## Facilities

Amenities include picnic tables, grills, paved parking spurs, accessible vault toilets and drinking water. Kit Price does not have electric hookups.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated along the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River at an elevation of 2,550 feet. Campsites are in a meadow like setting, in full to partial sun, in the river bottom of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Popular Coeur d'Alene Lake is about 65 miles west of Kit Price. Wildlife in the region includes mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.

Kit Price

## Overview

Big Hank Campground is located along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Shore fishing is a large draw, along with local hiking and biking trails. The campground also provides an excellent base camp for hunters during season.   
  
Wildlife like mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds are often spotted.

## Recreation

Tubing on the river is a popular summertime activity, as is cutthroat fishing.   
  
Whitewater rafting enthusiasts enjoy the class I-III rapids down the river.   
  
Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are a short drive away. Highlights include trails to Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls and Settler's Grove of Ancient Cedars.

## Facilities

Big Hank Campground offers about 30 spacious campsites for tent camping. Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and established fire rings are among the conveniences offered. Roads and campsite parking spurs are paved.

## Natural Features

Big Hank is in a heavily wooded area on the banks of the Couer D' Alene River and Big Hank Creek. At 2,800 feet elevation, the campground sits on the Big Hank Meadow.

Big Hank

Coeur d'Alene National Forest Big Hank Campground

## Overview

Avery Creek Cabin is located 20 miles northeast of Kingston, Idaho, along Forest Road 208. The fully furnished three-room cabin is adjacent to the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River on the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.   
  
The cabin was built between 1926 and 1928 to house Forest Service employees needed for administrative supervision and fire protection. It was built from a standard Forest Service plan known as the firemen's cabin. In 1935, a picnic area was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps across the road from the cabin and adjacent to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. In 1940, a bathroom was added in a board and batten shed addition to the cabin's east side, and a rustic log garage was built behind the cabin. The cabin was used for crew housing until 1981.   
  
Newly renovated, the cabin is now fully accessible. Avery Cabin's central location along the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River provides easy access to the site. Access to the cabin is along paved roadways, making it an easy destination to reach by car. The cabin is available from mid-May through September, and provides many of the comforts of home. Guests only need to bring a few of their own amenities for an enjoyable stay.

## Recreation

Guests can enjoy fishing for cutthroat or rainbow trout in the river. Check Idaho Fish and Game regulations for restrictions. Tubing is also a popular river activity.  
  
Hikers can enjoy a short hike to Centennial Falls. Non-motorized trails in the area include Lost Creek Trail, Settler's Grove Botanical Area and Shoshone Ridge. Motorized trails include Graham and Coal Creek. These trail systems require some travel, but offer a variety of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. 

## Facilities

The cabin can accommodate six people and has a living room, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and a covered porch. The kitchenette is equipped with an electric range, refrigerator, basic cookware, dishes and utensils. The sink has hot and cold water. The water is drinkable and supplied by a well system that is not chemically treated. Water quality testing is performed regularly.  
  
A fold-out couch, dining table and four chairs are in the living room. The cabin has electric baseboard heat. The bathroom has a flush toilet, sink, shower stall and mirror. The bedroom is equipped with a double bed and a set of bunk beds.  
  
A picnic table, barbecue grill and campfire ring are provided outside. Four resin chairs are supplied on the front porch.  
  
Guests should bring sleeping bags, flashlights, matches and newspaper, a first aid kit and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.

## Natural Features

Located in the heart of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, Avery Creek Cabin is situated in a small grassy area surrounded by an evergreen forest at an elevation of 3,000 feet.  
  
From lush evergreen mountains to the banks of winding rivers, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests create a tapestry of land and water in northern Idaho. Rich in wildlife, the forest is home to large game such as elk and deer, as well as species such as grizzly bears, wolves and caribou that add to the sense of wildness.

Avery Creek Cabin

## Overview

The gem peak lookout is located in the Cabinet Ranger District, situated above the Clark Fork River Area at the southern end of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. The original Gem Peak Lookout was activated in 1921 as a "rag outfit"\--a pole platform tent near a 15 foot open-platform tower.   
  
Today, the renovated structure includes a 225 square foot cabin atop a 30-foot tower with amenities such as a wood heating stove, single beds and of course, the incredible view of the Clark Fork River and the Noxon area.   
  
Full vehicle access depends on weather conditions, but typically visitors can drive straight to the lookout.

## Recreation

The Cabinet Ranger District features almost half a million acres of National Forest lands offering a full range of year-round recreational opportunities. Approximately 400 miles of trail are available to the hiker, hunter, and stock user to access various lakes and scenic viewpoints. 150 miles of these trails are open to motorized use. The District maintains almost 400 miles of open road, and many miles of gated roads offer additional opportunities to mountain bikers, berry pickers, and hunters.  
  
There is a trailhead located near the lookout with access for both hiking and OHV riding. For more information on designated OHV-riding areas, [Click here](http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/kootenai/recreation/ohv). Visitors may also enjoy seasonal Huckleberry picking in the land surrounding the lookout.

## Facilities

The lookout can accommodate up to 4 people with two single beds plus mattresses, a table and chairs, a bench and a wood heating stove. The lookout is not wired for electricity, but it does come with firewood stored at the base of the tower. Guests will need to bring their own light source and cooking equipment.   
  
There is a vault toilet located outside. Potable water is not available at the tower; Visitors will need to bring enough drinking water for the extent of their stay.   
  
Cleaning equipment is provided and guests are expected to leave the tower in good condition upon departure. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility; trash collection is not provided.   
  
In addition to the above amenities, guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay. Linens, pillows, cooking utensils, toilet paper, trash bags and food are not provided.

## Natural Features

The Clark Fork River Area is bordered by the Idaho line on the west and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness on the east. The Clark Fork River flows north and west through the District, and the Bull and Vermilion Rivers join it from the north. Rugged peaks ranging in elevation from 6,000-8,700 feet overlook the valley bottom.  
  
The Kootenai National Forest is dominated by a mixed conifer forest, but there is also an impressive ancient cedar grove set aside as a scenic area. In the spring and throughout the summer, a succession of wildflowers add color to hillsides and meadows and in the fall, stands of western larch and aspen mix yellows with the reds of huckleberry bushes, mountain maples and mountain ash.

Gem Peak Lookout Rental

## Overview

The Magee Ranger's Cabin is a fully furnished 2-story cabin in the center of the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District. Guests can imagine themselves as forest rangers when sleeping in the old ranger's quarters, and enjoying the superb views and convenient access to prime recreation trails.   
  
The Magee Cabin was constructed in 1922 as living quarters for the Magee District Ranger. The cabin along with several buildings at the site are on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings may occasionally be occupied as temporary housing for Forest Service employees working in the vicinity.

## Recreation

Nearby trails include the Independence Creek Trail System, with 34 miles of trails suitable for hiking, motorcycle riding, horseback riding and mountain biking.  
  
Teepee Creek is a tributary of Idaho's South Fork Salmon River and is open to fly fishing with popular catches including cutthroat trout and brook trout.

## Facilities

The log cabin has a front porch and is located near a public picnic area. It sleeps six guests, with a full-size bed downstairs and four single beds upstairs. Amenities include drinking water, propane stove, refrigerator and heater. Two portable propane lanterns are available, but guests should bring their own propane. Items to bring include propane for lanterns, bedding, flashlights, food, a first aid kit, matches, insect repellent, towels, dish soap, dish towels and washcloths. Visitors should also bring a splitting maul, axe or bow saw for collecting firewood, plus charcoal and lighter fluid to start campfires. There is a shower and toilet available in the warehouse that is approximately 200 ft. from the rental. A detailed walking map is available in the cabin.

## Natural Features

Magee sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet along the Teepee Creek in the heart of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. 

## Nearby Attractions

The nearest telephone is about 25 miles away and the nearest grocery store is about 32 miles away in Prichard, ID.

Magee Rangers Cabin

## Overview

Minton Peak Lookout is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,351 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. The original lookout was constructed in 1932, replaced in 1968, and completely rebuilt in 2011. The mountain was named after Col. David Minton, an Ohio cavalryman who homesteaded (and is buried) near the mouth of Minton Creek. The lookout is typically open from late June through mid-October and is accessible by car. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests should pack in most of their own supplies and gear.

## Recreation

Mountain roads and scenic trails provide access to explore the area.

## Facilities

The 14x14 foot cabin sits on a five foot tower. The lookout has windows on all sides and is encircled by a catwalk. The cabin sleeps four people and is equipped with two twin size beds with mattresses. Other amenities include a table and chairs, wood stove for heat, two-burner cooktop (propane not provided), broom and dustpan. Firewood is provided. An outhouse with a vault toilet and a campfire ring are located outside. The lookout does not have electricity or water. Guests should bring enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns, matches, extra toilet paper, trash bags, dish soap and towels are not available. 

## Natural Features

The lookout sits five feet off the ground and is surrounded by an evergreen forest. It offers panoramic views of the Clark Fork Valley, the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Cabinet Range to the east. This is an ideal vantage point to enjoy sunrises and sunsets and gaze out at starry skies on clear nights.

Coeur d'Alene National Forest Devil's Elbow Campground

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