Paddy Flat Guard Station

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.