Cold Springs Peak Cabin
The cabin is currently closed for the season due to snow and road conditions. The access roads and trails are typically impassable from late October through mid-July due to snowpack. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov when the cabin opens, typically in July.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
About
Cold Springs Peak Cabin is a historic 12x14-foot primitive log structure built in 1931 that qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed to shelter Forest Service firefighters and work crews, the cabin now offers a unique backcountry lodging experience in the North Fork Ranger District. Positioned in a narrow, rocky saddle adjacent to Cold Springs Peak at nearly 6,731 feet, the cabin provides sweeping views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the east and a bird's eye view of Ice Lake, Elizabeth Creek drainage, and an alpine meadow below. The area supports diverse wildlife including mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, and various mountain bird species. The cabin is extremely remote and requires significant effort to reach. From Pierce, Idaho, visitors travel approximately 50 miles on progressively rougher roads, with the final 6 miles requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. The last 2 miles must be hiked or accessed by OHV under 50 inches in width via Flat Mountain Trail 176. Alternatively, hikers can park at Mush Saddle and hike 6 miles on Pot Mountain Trail 169. Amenities are minimal: two spring beds, a small table with chairs, a modern wood stove for heating, a broom, and a pit toilet outhouse. There is no potable water at the cabin; the nearest water source is approximately one mile away on the trail and requires treatment. Guests must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash.
Directions
From Pierce, Idaho, take French Mountain Road (FSR 250) east for approximately 45 miles, staying right after crossing the North Fork Clearwater River at the Historic Bungalow Ranger Station site. Continue to the FSR 250/FSR 711 junction at Cold Springs Creek. Turn left onto FSR 711 and drive about 4 miles to Mush Saddle. From there, hikers can park and hike 6 miles on Pot Mountain Trail 169 to the cabin. ORV riders can continue 2 more miles on FSR 5295 to FSR 5297, then follow Flat Mountain Trail 176 for 2 miles to the cabin. The final road sections require high-clearance 4x4 vehicles with experienced operators.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 476-4541 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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