Walde Lookout Cabin

About

Walde Lookout Cabin was built in 1941 to house employees who staffed the adjacent fire lookout tower, constructed in 1939. The lookout remains in active use during summer and fall fire season, so the cabin is only available for rental from approximately mid-December through late March. This charming log structure has been restored to its original character and provides a unique backcountry winter retreat. The cabin sits at 5,220 feet elevation on the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers, offering panoramic views of the western slopes of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the jagged Selway Crags. The surrounding landscape is blanketed in deep snow during winter months. Wildlife in the area includes mule and white-tailed deer, elk, moose, gray wolf, and cougar. Access requires a 17-mile journey by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes from the parking area at the Yakus Creek Road junction. The 14x16-ft cabin accommodates four guests with two mattresses in a loft and two cots. Amenities include a wood stove, propane cook stove and lights, table with chairs, and basic cooking utensils. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, flashlights, matches, toilet paper, and all trash must be packed out. A vault toilet is located outside.

Directions

From Kooskia, ID, take Highway 12 East to Kamiah. Turn left onto Woodland Road for half a mile, then take the second right onto Glenwood Road (Road 100). Stay on this paved road until you reach the junction with Yakus Creek Road (Road 519). Park here, being careful to stay out of the way of potential logging operations. Travel by snowmobile along Road 519 about 1 mile where it turns into Road 514. Continue for approximately 9 miles to the intersection with Road 101 at Fan Saddle. Continue on Road 101 for another 5 miles to Mystery Saddle and turn right on Road 486A. At the junction of Road 486D, stay to the right and follow Road 486A for another 2 miles to Walde Cabin.