Kelly Forks Cabin

About

Kelly Forks Cabin was originally built in the mid-1930s at the confluence of Moose and Kelly Creeks as a stopover between ranger stations. It was later dismantled, floated down Kelly Creek, and reassembled at its current location within the Kelly Forks Work Center compound. Fully remodeled around 2002, the cabin now features modern conveniences including electricity, a flush toilet and shower, propane on-demand hot water, and a complete kitchen with electric range, microwave, and refrigerator. The cabin sleeps up to six people with one twin bed, one full mattress, and two full-sized futons. Each room has individual electric radiant heaters. A covered porch and outdoor picnic area provide space to enjoy the surrounding evergreen forest. The crystal-clear waters of Kelly Creek and the North Fork Clearwater River are just steps away, offering exceptional catch-and-release fishing for westslope cutthroat trout. Access to the cabin requires navigating approximately 45 miles of single-lane gravel roads from Pierce, Idaho. Roads can be rough with potholes and debris. The alternate route via Hoodoo Pass from Superior, Montana is typically impassable from late October through mid-July due to snow at 6,000 feet elevation.

Directions

From Pierce, Idaho: Drive through town and turn left on French Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 250). Travel FSR 250 for approximately 45 miles, staying right after crossing the North Fork Clearwater River at the Historic Bungalow Ranger Station site. Enter the Kelly Forks Work Center via the third entrance on the right as signed; stay left at the fork before the employee housing and follow the road to the cabin at the back of the compound. From Superior, Montana (seasonal, typically mid-July through late October only): Take FSR 250 south 25 miles over Hoodoo Pass at the Idaho-Montana state line, then continue southwest approximately 29 miles to the Kelly Forks Work Center.