Ninko Cabin
Closed for the season. The cabin operates only during winter months from December 1 through March 31. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is three consecutive nights with a total of seven days per calendar year.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
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 (Flathead…
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 Closure for Emergency Repairs
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 closed to motorized travel during 2026 repair work. See details and authorized access info.
Blankenship Emergency Closure
The Blankenship Bridge Area (Blankenship southwest), located south of Blankenship Road on the west side of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is temporarily closed for public safety due to high water.
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center The Flathead National Forest has three forecast zones for avalanches: the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park, and the Swan Range. Avalanche hazards are highly spatially variable, so…
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 .Camping or otherwise occupying a designated site for over three consecutive days within a calendar year.
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 sits in a mountain valley near Whale Creek at approximately 4,600 feet elevation, surrounded by Hornet Mountain and Mount Thompson-Seton in the Glacier View Ranger District of Flathead National Forest. The district borders the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park to the east, Canada to the north, and Kootenai National Forest to the west. The cabin is available exclusively during winter months from December 1 through March 31, catering to winter sports enthusiasts seeking a backcountry experience. Access involves driving north from Columbia Falls on the rough, intermittently-plowed North Fork Road to Whale Creek Road 318, then traveling approximately 12 miles via skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile to reach the cabin. Signs are posted along the route. The rustic cabin sleeps up to 7 guests with two bunk beds, two single beds, and a small loft. Heating comes from a wood stove, while a propane cook stove and propane lights provide cooking and lighting. A vault toilet is available outside. No potable water, electricity, or restrooms exist at the site. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, food, and supplies. All garbage must be packed out. Grizzly bears frequent the area, so food and garbage must be stored inside the cabin.
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 about 45 miles over the railroad overpass. Turn left on Whale Creek Road 318 and park in the plowed pullout. Then ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile about 7 miles to gated road 10832, then continue northwest for about 2 miles to Ninko Cabin. Signs are posted along the way. The North Fork Road is gravel, rough in spots, and only intermittently plowed during winter. A four-wheel drive vehicle and chains are recommended.
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 | $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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