Third Fork Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin typically operates from mid-April through late October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
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.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Third Fork Cabin is a historic guard station with roots dating back to 1906, when it was first established as Station 10 before being renamed Third Fork in 1908. The current structure was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and retains its original exterior character, with only a metal roof added before 1984. The cabin sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation in a steep mountain landscape heavily forested with old-growth Ponderosa pine, tall grasses, and hardwoods. The cabin sleeps four people and features one double bed and two single beds with mattresses. Modern comforts include a propane cook range, refrigerator, hot water heater, propane heater, flush toilet, and shower. Outside, a fenced yard contains a picnic table, campfire ring, and pedestal grill. The water at the cabin is not potable and may not be available, so guests must bring their own drinking water. Bedding, lighting, cookware, and utensils are not provided. Adjacent Squaw Creek offers fishing opportunities for native fish, while the surrounding area is popular for big game hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. Wildlife watchers may spot elk, deer, bears, or moose during dawn and dusk. Sagehen Reservoir, located 18 miles east, provides additional recreation including OHV trails, boating, and fishing. A camp host at Antelope Campground near Sagehen can provide firewood.
Directions
From Boise, take Highway 55 north to Horseshoe Bend. Turn left on Highway 52 and drive west 9 miles to the junction at Sweet/Ola Highway, then take a slight right. Proceed north 16 miles to Ola. Make a slight left and continue north through Ola on Forest Service Road 618 (Third Fork Road) to the cabin. The road changes from pavement to gravel a few miles north of Ola.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 351-1182 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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