Paddy Flat Guard Station
Closed for winter. The cabins typically open seasonally when snow conditions allow access. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Contact the McCall Ranger District at least 24-48 hours before arrival to obtain the gate lock combination.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Granite Mountain Over Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during commercial cat skiing and grooming operations.
Chamberlain Airstrip Campground Restriction
The purpose of this Order is to protect resources, and the quality and wilderness character of the area as well as to avoid user conflicts between agency stock and private stock users in the area.
Big Flat Campground Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling…
Wilderness Camping and Grazing Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect fragile, high elevation, water-based natural resources within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness from stock and user impacts.
Big Creek Area Boating Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Chinook Salmon and steelhead.
South Fork Salmon River East Trail Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety due to unsafe creek crossings on the Described Trail.
Lost Valley Closure Area
The purpose of this order is to protect a federally listed, threatened species and its occupied habitat.
Calf Pen Area Closure
The area adjacent to NFS Road #50073 has been identified as a sensitive area for a federally listed, threatened species.
Commercial Hauling
The purpose of this order is protect public safety and National Forest resources.
South Fork Salmon Road Weight Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent potential resource damage during spring thaw conditions.
Over-Snow Vehicle Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.
Payette Occupancy and Use- 14 Day Stay Limit
The purpose of this order is to address competition for campsites and to protect public safety and natural resources.
Frank Church Wilderness Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this order is to implement visitor use requirements for activities within the restricted area and on the restricted trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Brundage Mountain Resort Snowcat Route Closure
The closure of the snowcat routes to over-snow vehicles provides for the safety of persons recreating or using the area.
Gordon Titus Upper Elevation Parking Lot Winter Restrictions
To provide for public health and safety related to noise and to reduce user conflicts at high usewinter recreation areas.
South Fork Salmon River and Big Creek Float
The purpose of the order is to implement permit requirements for float boating on the South Fork of the Salmon River and Big Creek as required by the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan.
About
The Paddy Flat Guard Station sits in a scenic meadow surrounded by dense conifer forest at 5,300 feet elevation in the Payette National Forest of central Idaho. The facility consists of two rental cabins that were fully renovated in 2024. Both cabins sleep four people and feature flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Cabin East is fully ADA-accessible with a ramp entrance and wheelchair-accessible bathroom, and includes an exterior fire pit and corral for up to four pack or saddle animals. Cabin West has two bathrooms including one with a wheelchair-accessible shower, but requires stair access. The guard station serves as an excellent base for backcountry adventures. Numerous trailheads within a few miles provide access to alpine lakes for fishing, meadows for wildlife watching, and peaks reaching 8,681 feet with views of the South Fork Salmon River drainage. The area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV use. Hunting opportunities abound in the surrounding forest. Guests should bring their own kitchen utensils as only limited items are provided. Firewood may be gathered locally but the "Don't Move Firewood" policy is enforced to prevent pest spread. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and supervised. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, and guests must call the McCall Ranger District 24-48 hours before arrival to obtain the gate lock combination.
Directions
From McCall, drive approximately 9 miles south on State Highway 55. Turn left (east) onto Paddy Flat Road (Forest Road 388). Follow FR 388 approximately 5 miles to Paddy Flat Summit. At the summit, veer slightly right onto Forest Road 389 and continue approximately 3 miles to the guard station. From the south (Donnelly), turn right onto Paddy Flat Road approximately 3 miles north of town. The road is gravel and narrow in places.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 634-0400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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