Idaho / Clearwater County / Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Kelly Forks Cabin

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The cabin typically operates seasonally when road conditions permit. Access roads can be rough with debris, and alternative access via Hoodoo Pass from Montana is typically impassable from late October until mid-July due to snow. Maximum stay is 6 consecutive nights per user and 6 total nights per year.

About

Kelly Forks Cabin is a historic Forest Service rental facility with a fascinating history. Originally built at the confluence of Moose and Kelly Creeks during the mid-1930s as a stopover between the upper North Fork and Bungalow Ranger Stations, the cabin was later dismantled, floated down Kelly Creek, and reassembled at its current location in the mid-1900s. Fully remodeled around 2002, it now offers modern comforts while maintaining its historic character. The 3-room cabin accommodates up to 6 people and features electricity, lights, running water, on-demand propane hot water, and individual electric radiant heaters. The bedroom contains one twin and one full mattress, the spacious bathroom has a shower stall and flush toilet, and the kitchen is equipped with electric range, oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, and cooking essentials. The vaulted living area provides 2 full-sized futons and dining for 4, plus a large covered porch. Outside, a picnic area includes a table and fire ring. Located within an active Forest Service work center in a small clearing surrounded by evergreens, cottonwood, and alder at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork of the Clearwater River, the cabin sits adjacent to a world-renowned blue-ribbon fishery for West Slope Cutthroat Trout. The area offers diverse recreation including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, whitewater rafting, and OHV trails. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, black bear, wolf, cougar, moose, eagles, and otters. Access requires approximately 45 miles of travel from Pierce, Idaho, with the last 35 miles on rough single-lane gravel roads.

Directions

From Pierce, Idaho: Travel south on Highway 11 (Main St) approximately 3/4 mile from city center. Turn left on French Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 250). Travel on FSR 250 for approximately 45 miles, staying right after crossing the North Fork of the Clearwater River at the Historic Bungalow Ranger Station site. Enter the Kelly Forks Work Center compound via the third entrance on the right. Stay left at the fork before the employee housing complex and follow the road to the cabin. The last 35 miles are single-lane gravel roads that may have potholes, rocks, and debris. Alternative access from Superior, Montana via Hoodoo Pass on FSR 250 is typically impassable from late October to mid-July due to snow at the 6,000-foot pass.

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