Idaho / Clearwater County / Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Cold Springs Peak Cabin

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates July through September, weather permitting. Access roads and trails can be blocked by snow and debris into early summer.

About

Cold Springs Peak Cabin is a historic primitive shelter built in 1931 and qualifying for the National Register of Historic Places. The 12'x14' log cabin was originally constructed to house Forest Service firefighters and work crews. Positioned at nearly 6,731 feet elevation on a narrow, rocky saddle adjacent to Cold Springs Peak, the cabin sits atop steep, nearly vertical cliffs offering panoramic views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the east and bird's-eye perspectives of the Elizabeth Creek drainage, Ice Lake, and alpine meadows below. The cabin features a wood heating stove and shored-up foundation, but guests must bring all their own supplies, linens, cleaning supplies, and toiletries for a comfortable stay. Access requires a 2-mile hike on the moderately difficult, multi-use Pot Mountain Trail #169 (or via Trail #176), with steep grades that can be partially or fully blocked by debris or snowpack in early season. The trailhead itself requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicles and is reached via approximately 50 miles of mostly single-lane gravel roads from Pierce, Idaho. The area supports diverse wildlife including mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, elk, and numerous bird species. Multiple mountain lakes nearby provide secluded fishing opportunities, while surrounding trails offer berry picking, hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Seasonal changes bring dramatic storms through the saddle and spectacular fall colors against snow-capped mountain backdrops.

Directions

From Pierce, Idaho, drive east on French Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 250) for approximately 45 miles to the FSR 250/FSR 711 junction at Cold Springs Creek. Turn left onto FSR 711 and continue to the FSR 711/FSR 5295 junction. The final 6 miles require high-clearance 4x4 vehicles or OHV/ATV access via FSR 5295 to FSR 5297 and Flat Mountain Trailhead. From the trailhead, hike 2 miles on moderately difficult Trail #176, staying left past the Elizabeth Mountain Trail #445 junction, to reach the cabin. Last 17 miles of French Mountain Road are gravel; roads are single-lane with potholes and rocks. Low-clearance vehicles cannot reach the trailhead.

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