Warm River Cabin
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Warm River Cabin is located less than 20 miles from Ashton, Idaho, at Warm River Springs. An Idaho fish and game hatchery operated here from the 1930s to the 1950s. The cabin was formerly the hatchery manager's house. It was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1938.
The cabin is open year-round and can be accessed by car in the warmer months. Snowmobiles and cross-country skis are required to access the cabin on a groomed trail from early December through mid-May. The trek from the nearest available parking at Bear Gulch Trailhead to the cabin is 6 miles. Guests should be prepared to bring much of their own gear and supplies to make their stay comfortable.
This charming cabin can accommodate a maximum of 12 people. It offers six sets of bunkbeds with mattresses, a dining area with a table and benches, a wood stove for cooking and for heating, storage cabinets and firewood. There is a new wood stove located in the living room with available seating as well. A picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilet are located outside the cabin.
Need to Know
- Pick up the 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
- No water is available at the cabin; water from the spring must be treated if used.
- Please do not use the stove in the basement, it is no longer operational. Use the wood stove in the living room.
- 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.
- Access to the adjacent trailhead and parking area must not be blocked; the gate at the bridge must remain open at all times.
- 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.
Natural Features
The cabin is named after the adjacent Warm River Springs, which is the source of the Warm River. The dwelling sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet in an open, grassy area flanked by a conifer forest. Moose and bears are sometimes seen in this area
Nearby Attractions
The cabin is a short distance from the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. The star attraction of this 29-mile sightseeing drive is Mesa Falls, which is divided into the 114-foot Upper Falls and the 65-foot Lower Falls. This is the only major waterfall in Idaho that isn't used for hydroelectric or irrigation purposes.
Recreation
Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers can use the nearby trails. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers can find trails within 10 miles Visitors can find an abundance of berries ripe for picking in late summer. The Warm River is excellent for trout fishing and wading. Game and game bird hunting is available in season.
Contact Information
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ASHTON/ISLAND PARK RANGER DISTRICT ASHTON ID 83420
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-652-7442
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Ashton ID, travel east-northeast on Highway 47 (also known as the Mesa Fall Scenic Byway) for approximately 15 miles to the intersection of Highway 47 and Forest Road 150. Turn right onto Forest Road 150 and travel approximately 2.5 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 150 and Forest Road 154. Turn right onto Forest Road 154 and travel approximately 1.0 mile to the intersection of Forest Road 154 and Forest Road 367. Keep left on Forest Road 154 for approximately 1.5 miles to the cabin. The cabin is located across the bridge adjacent to Warm River Springs and Warm River.
