Ninko Cabin
Open — Open December 1 through March 31. Reservations available through Recreation.gov at $50 per night.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Ninko Cabin is a rustic winter retreat located in Flathead National Forest, 45 miles north of Columbia Falls, Montana. Open only from December through March, the cabin provides an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts seeking backcountry adventure in pristine snow-covered wilderness. The journey to the cabin is part of the experience, requiring a 12-mile trek via ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile from the North Fork Road parking area along Whale Creek Road. Situated in a mountain valley near Whale Creek at approximately 4,600 feet elevation, the cabin is surrounded by impressive peaks including Hornet Mountain and Mount Thompson-Seton. The area is bordered by Glacier National Park to the east, Canada to the north, and the Kootenai National Forest to the west, offering exceptional wilderness scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The cabin accommodates up to seven guests with two bunk beds and a small loft. Amenities include a propane cook stove and lights for cooking and basic lighting, plus a wood stove for heat. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring their own bedding, drinking water, and all supplies. The area is home to grizzly bears, so food and attractants must be stored inside the cabin. Pets are allowed. Commercial use is prohibited.
Directions
From Columbia Falls, travel north on Nucleus Avenue and turn east on Railroad Street at the stop sign. The road becomes North Fork Road as it travels over the railroad overpass. Continue about 45 miles north and turn west on Whale Creek Road 318. Park in the plowed pullout near the entrance. From the parking area, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile approximately 7 miles to gated road 10832, then continue northwest for about 2 miles to Ninko Cabin. Signs are posted along the way. North Fork Road is gravel, rough in spots, and only intermittently plowed during winter. Four-wheel drive vehicle and chains recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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