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The Horse Heaven Cabin is a historic cabin that sits between two scenic wilderness areas in central Idaho. It provides access to a variety of trails and recreational opportunities unique to the area.
Visitors to the area enjoy big and small game hunting. Proper licenses are required to hunt within the Idaho and neighboring Montana. There are a variety of hiking and horseback riding trails in the area. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries.
The cabin was built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for use as a fireman's cabin. It is situated at an elevation of 7,100 feet on a road that divides the 1.2 million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the 2.3 million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas.While the cabin is on the edge of an open meadow, most of the area is covered by coniferous forests. Wildland fires have burned around the cabin in recent and in years past. The vast wilderness provides a secluded habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Populations of mountain lions and grey wolves live in the area, as well as coyote, fox, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.
The cabin lies near the prehistoric southern Nez Perce Trail, which was used by Native American tribes as a seasonal migration and subsistence route between eastern Oregon and Idaho and the buffalo country in eastern Montana. Today, the dramatic winding road serves as a boundary between the heart of thousands of square miles of two designated wilderness areas, the Frank Church - River of No Return and the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness areas. The area is some of the wildest land in the country and is well worth the time to explore.
$25 / night
Magruder Rangers House is one of seven buildings still used by Forest Service trail crews and wilderness rangers, but it is open to the public through parts of the year. It provides visitors with access to two designated wilderness areas, plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration and a comfortably equipped place to stay.
Hunting, fishing and hiking are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The adjacent Scenic and Wild Selway River and a variety of nearby mountain streams are well known for trout fishing. Anglers might see bullhead, rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat trout, as well as mountain whitefish. There are a variety of trails that traverse the area, including the 11-mile Swet Creek Trail. It follows a creek bed and connects to other trails in the area. It is open to hiking and horseback riding. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries but is allowed on roads.
The house is located on the Selway River, between the 1.2-million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. It was once the residence of the district ranger and his family. Most of the area is covered by coniferous forests, with open meadows near the river. Because of its size, the wilderness provides a secluded habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Populations of mountain lions and grey wolves live in the area, as well as coyote, fox, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears (learn about outdoor safety).
The adjacent Magruder Road provides drivers with a unique experience in the back country of Idaho. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and remains much the same now as it did then. It continues to the Nez Perce Pass and is generally open in early June.
For facility specific information, please call (406) 821-3269.
$100 / night
Three Rivers Resort was owned and operated for over 40 years by the Smith Family. It was purchased in May 2018 by the Craft/Engledow Family. Please be patient with us as we continue to make improvements. We are open and ready to serve you (motel, cabins, pool, spa, and store are all open March through November yearly).
$15 - $165 / night
Walker Cabin is nestled among trees just off Crooked River Road #233, which leads into the Gospel-Hump Wilderness Area, in the Nez Perce National Forest. The cabin was originally built around 1930 as a summer home. Jerry and Helen Walker purchased the cabin in 1967, then donated it to the U.S. Forest Service in the 1980s. It is now available for public recreational use. The cabin must be reserved in advanced; there are no walk-ups.
Crooked River is a popular area for many recreational opportunities, including hiking, trout fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. A nice hiking trail is located behind the cabin. Nearby trails lead to the Orogrande Summit, Buffalo Hump and Gospel Hump. Snowshoes may be required on the trails in winter. There are several lakes within a 3-mile radius that are easily accessible by foot or off-road vehicle.
Walker Cabin sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet near the northern part of Gospel-Hump Wilderness, an area that is moist and densely forested. Big game species like elk, mule and whitetail deer, black bear, cougar, moose, mountain goat and mountain sheep live within the Wilderness. Chukar, grouse, squirrels and songbirds make their home here as well.
The cabin is less than a mile from Orogrande, a historic mining site that is now a ghost town. The closest town, Elk City, Idaho, is a remote community with limited facilities that include a grocery store, restaurant, bar, laundromat, convenience store and gas stations.
$40 / night
Adams Ranger Station Cabin is located in the heart of the Nez Perce National Forest at an elevation of 5,150 feet. Adams Camp served as a way station along the Milner Trail as early as 1862. The Forest Service established the area adjacent to Adams Camp as an administrative site in 1919. Adams Ranger Station was built in 1932 for the District Ranger and his family. It last served as District headquarters in 1958. Since then, it has served as a work center, hosting a variety of summer crews. The historic cabin is available for rent year-round, except during spring melt, which typically occurs from mid-March to late May. Winter access is approximately 30 miles from Fish Creek Snow Park along a groomed snowmobile route. The cabin must be reserved in advanced; there are no walk-ups.
Many fun activities surround Adams Ranger Station, including numerous trails. Corral Creek, a nearby stock facility and trailhead, can accommodate horses and hikers. This trail system leads into the beautiful Gospel-Hump Wilderness. The Milner Trail, Road #641, is open to off-road vehicles in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter.
Adams Ranger Station is near the Gospel-Hump Wilderness and part of the Salmon River/Highway 95 Corridor. The landscape in this corridor varies from the emerald Salmon River pouring through steep canyon walls to sapphire Moore's Lake in the remote Gospel-Hump Wilderness. The Gospel-Hump Wilderness has elevations ranging from 1,970 feet at the Wind River pack bridge on the Salmon River to 8,940 feet at the summit of Buffalo Hump. The northern part of the Wilderness is wetter and heavily forested; the southern part is dry and sparsely vegetated. The two parts are separated by a rugged, glaciated divide which contains the peaks for which the wilderness is named. Wildlife in the area includes mountain lions, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and wolves.
Guests may wish to visit the historic gold-mining town of Florence. It is now a ghost town with a cemetery and a few long abandoned buildings.
$50 / night
Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences. The cabin offers nearly everything needed for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Peak season for the cabin is typically early June through late September. It can be accessed by most vehicles via dirt and gravel roads, but trailers are not recommended.
The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These non-motorized trails are popular for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Off-road vehicle trails are also nearby. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. The South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek offer opportunities for fishing. Berry picking and hunting are popular pastimes in season.
Johnson Creek sits in a pretty mountain meadow a stone's throw from scenic Johnson Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River. Mountain slopes covered in dense pine forest surround the cabin. Wildlife watchers may see deer, elk, bear and moose. Bald eagles are often spotted soaring overhead.
The tiny community of Yellow Pine is a few miles north of the cabin and offers limited services. The popular Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival is held annually in August.
$50 / night
The Lost Horse Guard Station was built in 1938 by request of George Case, Moose Creek District Ranger, to assist the Forest Service___s efforts to administer and manage the high country of the southern Bitterroot Range. Using funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the cabin was constructed by Emil Schwartz, from Wisdom, MT and known for a paying close attention to detail. Its quality of construction is evident through the minimal amount of required repairs and restoration over the 80 years since its construction. It is an excellent example of a Region One standard plan log cabin and guard station, with saddle-notched random-length log crowns, a drive through porch, native stone foundation and cedar shingle roof. The cabin features two sets of full sized bunk beds, a wood burning stove as the heat source and a propane cook stove. There is no drinking water at this cabin, please bring your own water for drinking, cleaning etc. There is no trash service at this cabin. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. Firewood is not provided at this time.__
Visitors to the Lost Horse Guard Station have access to a multitude of recreation opportunities.__ Hiking: There are many trails that are close to the cabin. The Bailey Lake Trailhead is within walking distance. Travel one mile to the west to Bear Creek Pass and access the Bear Creek Trail, Lower and Upper Bear Lakes, Coquina Lake, Fish Lake and the South Fork of Lost Horse Creek Drainage. Travel 2 miles to the North to access the Twin Lakes Trail and Wahoo Pass Trail and the vast expanse of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.__ Fishing: Along with Lost Horse Creek, anglers can drive or hike to any of the lakes mentioned above. Expect to find Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat trout, Rainbow trout, Bull trout, Brown trout and Mountain Whitefish. DISCLAIMER* Some of the lakes in the area are in Idaho. Please obtain the appropriate licenses in the state that you will be fishing in.__ Hunting: Many species are at home in the Lost Horse Creek drainage. Hunters can strike out in search of whitetail deer, mule deer, black bear, elk and mountain grouse species.__ Skiing: With routine heavy snowfall, this area is a great opportunity for Cross Country Skiiers with some areas being groomed and lots of wild untouched snow.__ Over Snow Travel: While the road makes for an easier ride, deep powder can be found very easily in a variety of terrain for riders of any experience level. NOTE* Motorized travel is not permitted in the Wilderness Area Horseback: Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes both feature ramps and hitching posts for those riders looking to either take a leisurely day ride or venture into the labyrinth of trails that disect the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.__ Kayak/Canoe/SUP: Just 2 miles from the cabin, motorized boats are prohibited on Twin Lakes, this makes for a great opportunity for non motorized craft.__ Opportunities for other activities such as climbing, bird watching, photography and general nature viewing abound in this area.__
Visitors to the Lost Horse Guard Station have access to a multitude of recreation opportunities.__ Hiking: There are many trails that are close to the cabin. The Bailey Lake Trailhead is within walking distance. Travel one mile to the west to Bear Creek Pass and access the Bear Creek Trail, Lower and Upper Bear Lakes, Coquina Lake, Fish Lake and the South Fork of Lost Horse Creek Drainage. Travel 2 miles to the North to access the Twin Lakes Trail and Wahoo Pass Trail and the vast expanse of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.__ Fishing: Along with Lost Horse Creek, anglers can drive or hike to any of the lakes mentioned above. Expect to find Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat trout, Rainbow trout, Bull trout, Brown trout and Mountain Whitefish. DISCLAIMER* Some of the lakes in the area are in Idaho. Please obtain the appropriate licenses in the state that you will be fishing in.__ Hunting: Many species are at home in the Lost Horse Creek drainage. Hunters can strike out in search of whitetail deer, mule deer, black bear, elk and mountain grouse species.__ Skiing: With routine heavy snowfall, this area is a great opportunity for Cross Country Skiiers with some areas being groomed and lots of wild untouched snow.__ Over Snow Travel: While the road makes for an easier ride, deep powder can be found very easily in a variety of terrain for riders of any experience level. NOTE* Motorized travel is not permitted in the Wilderness Area Horseback: Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes both feature ramps and hitching posts for those riders looking to either take a leisurely day ride or venture into the labyrinth of trails that disect the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.__ Kayak/Canoe/SUP: Just 2 miles from the cabin, motorized boats are prohibited on Twin Lakes, this makes for a great opportunity for non motorized craft.__ Opportunities for other activities such as climbing, bird watching, photography and general nature viewing abound in this area.__
The cabin resides nearly 18 miles from Highway 93 in the Lost Horse Creek drainage on the west side of the beatuful Bitterroot Valley. The Lost Horse Road was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The drainages on the west side of the valley differ from the surrounding landscape. These glacial carved canyons are home to towering peaks, craggy granite cliffs, serene alpine lakes, steep avalanche chutes, flowing creeks and cascading waterfalls. These features create a microclimate in the canyon that sustains a dense mixed coniferous forest that contains ponderosa pine in the lower/drier sites; Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar along the creek, and lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce and whitebark pine in the higher elevations. The Lost Horse Road provides access into the Bitterroot Mountains much further than the typical eastern boundary of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness can be accessed at Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes, which are both within 2 miles of the Lost Horse Guard Station.__
$50 / night
Legend
Beautiful log cabin in the mountains of Idaho, located in Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest, so astonishing views are plentiful. There is no cell service here, so prepare for the trip ahead, print out your maps to the station, otherwise getting lost on your way here is a very likely possibility. BYO drinking water, headlamps and sense of adventure. Pack out what you pack in..must respect the power of nature.
Near by attractions are Florence which is a well known location for gold mining in days past, nice place to hike and explore the area’s history.
Traveler
The past negative reviews sound more like an angry family to me. I pulled in (camping alone my first time) and had a warm welcoming. Once I got my tent set up I decided I wanted to set up sleeping in my car and my current spot didn’t allow vehicles. I waited around to see if it was filling up for the night and then asked if how much it would be to pull into an RV spot to sleep in the car. She let me switch free of charge! She was amazing.
GuideSo, I’m not sure why “resort” is in the title, this certainly not a resort in the traditional sense. But, this is a great place to stop if headed up the Lochsa River and has something for everyone.
The “resort” has riverfront cabins, double occupancy motel rooms, A frame cabins, RV spots with hookups and a large tent camping area for motorcyclists, bicyclists and hikers. The mix of campers makes thing interesting. Add to this that the river raft guides take out at this location and this is a busy and fun place to spend a night. It has been very busy every time I have stopped, often full of RV’s with families spending a long weekend.
There is a small market, restaurant and bar, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. The market is well stocked with most of what you might have forgot to pack. They sell firewood as well. The bar offers typical burgers and bar fare and was lively enough even in peak Covid. This is Idaho after all, Covid seems like an afterthought in most of central and North Idaho.
The resort is located along a sweeping bend of the Lochsa river, which the highway follows on the opposite side. With the proximity of the highway, the RV’s in the campground, the cabins, etc, this is not a tranquil wilderness campground. It is however a great spot to spend the night while passing through.
I was on a motorcycle and there were probably 8-10 other riders tent camping. Several fires were going and folks were friendly and outgoing. There was no cell service for AT&T, but the market and bar had WiFi that you could access by sitting outside the front door.
I’ve stayed here 3 times and it will always be on my list when passing through this part of Idaho.
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