Facility Details - COLD SPRINGS PEAK CABIN, ID

Overview

Cold Springs Peak Cabin is a primitive log cabin that was originally constructed in 1931 to shelter firefighters and other work crews. It was last used for firefighters in 1953.

In 1989, Forest Service employees shored up the cabin's foundation, re-shingled the roof and installed a stove. Today, the 12x14-ft. cabin qualifies for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The cabin is only accessible via multi-use trails. Pot Mountain Trail 169 is a 4-mile trail leading to the cabin, but it's not recommended for off-road vehicles. Guests must be prepared to bring most of their own gear and supplies for a comfortable stay.

Natural Features:

Cold Springs Peak Cabin is tucked into a wooded area near Cold Springs Peak at an elevation of 6,731 feet. Nearly vertical cliffs rise to the east just outside the cabin. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the Bitterroot Mountains and look down over the valley at a small lake and meadow.

Moose, elk and deer may be spotted in the area. Birders can watch for a variety of bird species.

Recreation:

Several multi-use trails are in the area for horseback riders, hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders. Clicke here for an Idaho OHV safety message.

Numerous lakes in the area offer fishing opportunities. Berry picking is a popular summer pastime.

Facilities:

The cabin is primitive, offering two cots, a table with two chairs, a wood stove and a broom. A pit toilet is located in an open-air outhouse outside. Click here for additional cabin details.

No electricity, firewood or water is provided. Guests should bring drinking water or use the water from a stream about a mile from the cabin on Pot Mountain Trail 169, but the water must be treated before drinking. Guests should also bring a cook stove, cooking pots and utensils, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, an axe, a first aid kit, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Berry Picking Birding Broom & Dust Pan Cot(s) Hiking Horseback Riding Horseback Riding Trails Mountain Biking	Off-Road Vehicle Trails Pit Toilets Scenic Overlooks Table & Chairs Trailheads Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove
Less Than 1 Mile
River Access
Within 10 Miles
Fishing	Lake Access

Know Before You Go

No water is available at the cabin
Consider the risks inherent to the cabin's location before deciding whether to bring children
Please pack out trash
No railings or fences surround the cabin
Those considering renting the Cold Springs Cabin are strongly encouraged to contact the Clearwater National Forest Supervisor's Office (208) 476-8267 for more information and to purchase a Clearwater National Forest map
Click here for more information about Clearwater National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.78722, -115.30333
46°47'14"N, 115°18'12"W

From Missoula, Montana, drive to Greer, Idaho. Follow State Highway 11 to Weippe. Continue on toward Pierce. Turn right onto French Mountain Road 250. Follow Road 250 (paved for 20 miles, gravel thereafter) to the North Fork Clearwater River. Turn right on Road 247. Continue to the junction with Mush Saddle Road 711. Hikers can park at Mush Saddle and hike 4 miles to the cabin on Pot Mountain Trail 169, turning left at the Trail 176 junction for a quarter mile to the cabin.

ORV riders can drive further on 2 miles to the junction with Cool Creek Road 5295 and turn right. This is a single-lane, dirt-surface road rarely graded or cleared and is slippery when wet. Watch for falling rocks. Climb steeply to the junction with Road 5295A. Make a sharp turn right. Two miles later, park and follow Flat Mountain Trail 176 for 2 miles to the cabin. About 1 mile in, Elizabeth Mountain Trail 445 forks to the right. Stay left. About one-quarter mile before you get to the cabin, Pot Mountain Trail 169 forks left. Stay right and travel to the cabin.

From Lewiston, Idaho, follow U.S. Highway 12 east to Greer, Idaho. Turn left onto Highway 11 and proceed as described above.