Gold Meadows Cabin
Open year-round for backcountry use, weather and trail conditions permitting. No permits or reservations required. Winter access may be limited by snow conditions on Highway 12 and the trail.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 935-2513 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!