Gold Meadows Cabin

About

Gold Meadows Cabin, originally known as the Gold Meadows Ranger Station, is a well-preserved example of early Forest Service backcountry infrastructure in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The cabin served as a maintenance campsite where crews worked on trail and telephone infrastructure during the early 20th century. Today it stands as a historic shelter available to wilderness travelers. The cabin sits approximately seven miles from the Eagle Mountain portal, reached via the Eagle Mountain Trail which begins at mile marker 135.3 on US Highway 12 along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. The trail follows the river before climbing a ridgeline into the wilderness. A vault toilet is on site, but there is no potable water. Visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. As part of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, travel is by foot or stock only. Group size is limited to 20 people and 20 head of stock. Camping at any site (including a five-mile surrounding radius) is limited to 14 consecutive days.

Directions

From US Highway 12, locate mile marker 135.3 along the Lochsa River. Park at the Eagle Mountain Trailhead, which has a wooden trail bridge and hitch rails. Hike approximately seven miles via the Eagle Mountain Trail to the cabin near the Long Lake Trail junction.