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Open

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.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition

This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region

It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Silver Fire Closure - Roman Nose, Bottleneck, Snow Creek

The purpose of this order is for public and firefighter safety due to active fire suppression activities occurring in the area as part of planned operations for the Silver Fire burning in the area.

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

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