Squirrel Meadows Cabin

SQUIRREL MEADOWS CABIN

Part of Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Squirrel Meadows Cabin is located 24 miles east of Ashton, Idaho, just off the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. The current cabin was built in 1934, but the site has been used for administrative purposes since 1907. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Only one other cabin in Wyoming was constructed with the same building plan. The 2-room cabin is made of lodgepole pine and features a wood shingled roof.

Guests can drive to the cabin from mid-May through mid-November, although about 10 miles of the trip are on gravel roads. Snowmobiles and cross-country skis are required to access the cabin from approximately early December through mid-May. The trek from the nearest available parking at the snowmobile trailhead to the cabin is 10 miles.

Facilities

This cabin sleeps six and provides bunkbeds, mattresses, a wood stove for cooking, table and chairs, and firewood. A hand pump, vault toilet, picnic table and horse corrals are located outside. Electricity is not provided. Guests may wish to bring battery or propane-powered lighting. Bedding, matches, and emergency items like a first aid kit are not provided. Trash bags are needed to pack out garbage.

Natural Features

Squirrel Meadows Cabin is situated at 6,500 feet on the Yellowstone Plateau of southwest Wyoming. The cabin sits in a meadow surrounded by pine trees. Guests can enjoy views of the distant mountains. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, and grizzly bear.

Recreation

The cabin provides access to a variety of year-round recreational activities, including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Berry picking is available in late summer. Some of the other activities located within a few miles include off-road vehicle and motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, hiking and mountain biking. Game and game bird hunting is a popular pastime in season.

Important Notices

  • Pick up the cabin key at the Ashton Ranger Station, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; to make arrangements for after hours or weekend pickup, call (208) 652-7442 during regular business hours
  • This cabin is located in grizzly/black bear country. All food and coolers must be stored according to the Caribou Targhee National Forest Food Storage Order #04-15-23-217 

  • Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant.
  • Please make sure fires in the outside campfire ring are extinguished completely before leaving the cabin. Abandoning campfires during any point in your stay at the cabin can result in a violation.
  • This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility, please take all trash with you when leaving the cabin.
  • Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more.
  • Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Birding - Birding
  • Star Gazing - Star Gazing
  • Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
  • Horse Camping - Horse Camping

Directions

From Ashton, ID, take Highway 47 a half-mile to Highway 32 and turn right (south). Travel 1 mile to Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road (#261). Turn left (east) and travel 22 miles to Road #032. Turn right (south) and go a half-mile to the cabin.

Contact Information

Phone: 208-652-7442

ASHTON/ISLAND PARK RANGER DISTRICT
ASHTON, ID 83420

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery