West Fork Cabin

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer access via hiking; winter access requires snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

About

West Fork Cabin is a historic 14x16-foot Forest Service cabin situated at one end of a small meadow in the Smith Creek Research Natural Area of Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Originally built in 1931 to house smokechasers who would respond to the first signs of smoke, the cabin survived until 1998 when it burned down. It was rebuilt in 1999 to resemble the original building and continues to serve as a public facility available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cabin sits at 4,200 feet elevation and can be reached via a 1.25-mile hike from the trailhead at the end of Road #2446. During summer months, the cabin is accessible via hiking, while winter access requires snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The cabin features two twin beds, a wood stove inside, an outdoor fire pit, and some basic cooking pans and utensils. A pit toilet is located on-site, but visitors must bring their own water as no potable water is available. This rustic cabin has seen heavy use over the years and visitors are encouraged to treat it with care and leave the site better than they found it. Horse and pack animals are allowed at the site. The location offers opportunities for day hiking, viewing scenery and wildlife, and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Selkirk Mountain Range.

Directions

From Bonners Ferry, travel north on US 95 for 11.3 miles past the US 95 and 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. At the sweeping left-hand turn, continue on paved Smith Creek Road #281 for 10.8 miles. Turn right onto Road #2446 to the end. The trailhead is at the end of the road; hike 1.25 miles to the cabin.

Nearby Campgrounds