Malad Summit Guard Station

Summary

Malad Summit Guard Station is a rustic one-room cabin located 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho. The cabin provides a secluded retreat surrounded by scenic high country views, and offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting. With amenities like two bunkbeds and a wood stove, this cabin offers a comfortable stay for up to six people in a beautiful forested setting.

Overview

Malad Summit Guard Station is located 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho on Malad Pass just off I-15. The rustic one-room cabin is in a forested setting in narrow Mill Creek Drainage, and offers a secluded retreat on fenced acreage surrounded by scenic high country views.

The original guard station was established in 1908, but was replaced by the existing cabin in 1934. The cabin is accessible by car when there is no snow. Guests should be prepared in snowy conditions to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile half a mile from the plowed road to reach the cabin. The guard station offers many amenities for a comfortable stay, but fewer conveniences are available in winter.

Recreation

The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails are provided for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message).



Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek. Hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime.

Facilities

Malad Summit Guard Station is located near Mill Creek. The cabin can sleep six people on the two bunkbeds and folding cots provided.

Amenities include two bunkbeds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with bench and chairs, folding cots, a broom and dustpan, cook prep area, and sink. Electrical appliances include space heater, lights, stove/oven, and refrigerator. The mudroom is equipped with seasonal shower facilities.  Propane is provided for the water heater in the summer months.    

 A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic tables are located outside the cabin.        

Parking can accommodate up to three RVs.      

The cabin's water is shut off late September to May.        

Winter guests should call the Westside Ranger District to check snow conditions before reserving this cabin from November through May and for winter parking instructions/access.  Winter guests need to bring their own water.    

Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.        

Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Garbage bags and cleaning supplies are not available. 

Natural Features

The rustic single-room cabin is tucked into a deciduous and conifer forest at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. Mill Creek meanders through the site.

The front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy views of the forest and possible wildlife sightings. Black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn are some of the species native to the area (bear safety tips).