West Fork Cabin
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Summer access is by hiking the 1.25-mile trail; winter access requires snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 11:44AM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the 90s Tuesday and mid 90s to near 100 Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 10:43AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Environmental Protection Agency * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecasted to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. For the latest air quality readings, head to https://fire.airnow.gov or visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at www.idsmoke.blogspot.com. * WHERE...Boundary County, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah Counties. * WHEN...Next update by 12 PM Monday, July 20th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
West Fork Cabin is a historic backcountry cabin in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, originally constructed in 1931 as housing for "Smoke Chasers" who patrolled for wildfires. The cabin burned down in 1998 and was carefully reconstructed in 1999 to preserve its original character. It sits at 4,200 feet elevation at the edge of a small meadow in the Smith Creek drainage. Access requires a 1.25-mile hike from the trailhead at the end of Forest Road 2446. During winter, visitors reach the cabin by snowshoe or cross-country ski. The cabin accommodates guests with two twin beds, a wood stove for heating, and basic cooking pans and utensils. An outdoor fire pit is available. A pit toilet is located on site, but there is no potable water; visitors must pack in all drinking water. The cabin operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Horses and pack animals are permitted on the access trail. Visitors are expected to leave the cabin clean and in good condition for the next users.
Directions
From Bonners Ferry, take US 95 north. At 11.3 miles past the US 95/US 2 junction, turn left on Highway 1 and continue 2.1 miles. Turn left on Copeland Road for 3.4 miles, then right on Westside Road for 9 miles. Follow Smith Creek Road #281 for 10.8 miles, then take Road #2446 to the trailhead parking area. The cabin is a 1.25-mile hike from the trailhead.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 267-5561 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS West Fork Cabin Page | |
| Bonners Ferry Ranger District |
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