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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:33PM 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 ...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHEN...Next update 11 AM August 12th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 11:25AM 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 An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene ...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FROM THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties... * WHEN...Next update 11 AM August 11th. * IMPACTS...Some members of the general 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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