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HORSE HEAVEN CABIN

Elk City, Idaho · USDA Forest Service

HORSE HEAVEN CABIN — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

The Horse Heaven Cabin is a historic cabin that sits between two scenic wilderness areas in central Idaho. It provides access to a variety of trails and recreational opportunities unique to the area. The cabin lies near the southern Nez Perce Trail, which was used by Native American tribes as a seasonal migration and subsistence route between eastern Oregon and Idaho and the buffalo country in eastern Montana. Today, the dramatic winding road serves as a boundary between the heart of thousands of square miles of two designated wilderness areas, the Frank Church - River of No Return and the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness areas. The area is some of the wildest land in the country and is well worth the time to explore. Salmon Mountain Lookout is an historic and active fire lookout on the Bitterroot National Forest. The less than 2 mile hike offers spectacular views of the Frank Church- River of No Return Wilderness areas, along with high mountain larch, white barked pine and abundant wildlife.Visitors to the area enjoy big and small game hunting. Proper licenses are required to hunt within the Idaho and neighboring Montana. There are a variety of hiking and horseback riding trails in the area. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries. The one-room, 16-by-18 cabin is equipped with two built-in bunk beds that can accommodate up to four people. It has a table and chairs, wooden bench, a propane cook stove, propane lantern and a wood stove for heat. Basic cooking and eating utensils are provided, as well as cooking pots, pans and a coffee pot. Firewood for the stove is also available outside the cabin. A splitting maul is located inside the cabin. A small stream may provide water during the summer, but it should be boiled or treated before it is used for drinking or cooking purposes. A vault toilet is provided in an outhouse near the cabin. Sleeping pads are provided for the bunks. Guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, as well as propane fuel for cooking and lighting. Guests will also need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Food, matches, flashlights and garbage bags are not provided. Guests must clean, dry and store dishes used and carry out all trash and clean the cabin prior to their departure. The cabin is accessible by four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles. The last 300 yards from the main corridor road into the cabin is rough and rocky. Guests are encouraged to bring a saw, as tr

Directions

From Elk City, Idaho, travel southeast on Highway 14 and Forest Road 222. Continue east on Forest Road 468 for about 36 miles, turn south at the Trail 28 sign and travel 1/4 mile to cabin. From Darby, head south for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn onto the West Fork Road/Highway 473 and continue past the 14-mile marker and turn west onto the Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468. Continue heading west, south-west for 35 miles on paved and one-lane gravel road before turning south at the junction of road 468 and 6223, near the Magruder Crossing Campground, cross the Selway river and continue going 22 miles on the gravel, one-lane, steep road and turn south at the sign "Trail #28 Sabe Cr 10" and follow rough rocky road to the cabin. High-clearance vehicles are required to access the cabin. Maps may be purchased by calling the West Fork Ranger District at 406-821-3269.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Idaho
City / area
Elk City
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Bitterroot National Forest
Campsites
1
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$25 / night
Rating
4.67 / 5 (3 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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