WINDY SADDLE
Windy Saddle is a trailhead facility, not a developed campground. It is open year-round as a four-season staging area for backcountry access. No fee required. Dispersed camping may be permitted in accordance with Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests regulations, but there are no designated campsites at this location.
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
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.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
About
Windy Saddle Trailhead is a remote backcountry access point in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, situated high in Idaho County. The trailhead serves primarily as a staging area for wilderness exploration rather than a developed campground, providing access to Archer Trail #529 which leads into rugged backcountry terrain. The site is equipped with basic facilities including two hitch rails for horses and a vault toilet, making it suitable for equestrian users launching multi-day backcountry trips. No potable water is available, so all visitors must pack in their own supplies. The location supports four-season recreation including backpacking, day hiking, big game hunting in fall, and snowmobiling in winter. Access requires navigating a series of forest roads: from State Highway 14, turn south onto Red River-Dixie Road #222, continue past Red River Ranger Station to Nezperce Trail Road #468, follow Road #468 east for 20 miles to Elk Mountain Road #285, then turn north and travel 15.5 miles to Windy Saddle.
Directions
From State Highway 14, turn south onto Red River-Dixie Road #222. Follow Road #222 past Red River Ranger Station to its junction with Nezperce Trail Road #468. Turn east onto Road #468 and follow it for 20 miles to its junction with Elk Mountain Road #285. Turn north on Road #285 and follow it for 15.5 miles to Windy Saddle.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Windy Saddle Trailhead |
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