USDA Forest Service · Idaho

Walde Lookout Cabin

USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
4,823 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T weak · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
WALDE RIDGE (NFSR 486) · crushed aggregate or gravel · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Nearest town
Kooskia
Address
502 LOWRY STREET, Kooskia, ID, 83539
Phone
208-926-4274
Activities
Camping, Snowmobile Trails, Wildlife Viewing

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Walde Lookout Cabin was built in 1941 to house the employees who worked in the adjacent fire lookout, which was built in 1939. The fire lookout is still in use during
the summer and fall, so the cabin is only available for rent from approximately mid-December through late March. This charming, rustic cabin has been restored to its
original character.

Guests must reach the cabin by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. This is a trip of around 17 miles, and guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and
safety. The cabin provides a few conveniences, but guests will need to bring some supplies and gear to make a cozy and comfortable retreat for enjoying winter
recreation.

Recreation

Several trails crisscross the vicinity, ideal for snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. There are good places to sled nearby.

Facilities

This 14x16-ft. log cabin accommodates four people with two mattresses located in a loft area and two cots. A wood stove heats the cabin, which is also equipped with a table and four chairs, a propane cook stove, propane lights, basic cooking and eating utensils, smoke alarm, mop and bucket, fire extinguisher and a snow
shovel. Click here for additional cabin details.

Firewood is available in a shed just outside. Toilet facilities consist of an outhouse with a pit toilet. Guests should be prepared to shovel a path to the cabin,
shed and outhouse, as well as remove snow from the propane tank to turn it on.

There is no electricity or running water. Guests should bring their own drinking water. Natural sources can also provide water, although it should be boiled for
culinary use. Garbage bags are also needed to pack out trash.

Bedding, flashlights or lanterns, extra batteries, matches, first aid supplies and toilet paper are not provided. Guests should remember to bring their rental permit
with them to the cabin.

Natural Features

The cabin sits at an elevation of 5,220 feet on the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers. This vantage point shows off the western slopes of the
vast Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the jagged peaks of the Selway Crags. The cabin is surrounded by a dense evergreen forest.

The winter landscape is blanketed in deep, pristine snow. Wildlife sightings may include mule and white-tailed deer, elk, moose, gray wolf and cougar. A variety of birds also inhabit the area.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January31°18°-18°41°11 of 11
February31°18°-10°47°11 of 11
March39°21°7°62°11 of 11
April43°25°7°68°11 of 11
May55°36°24°77°7 of 11
June63°42°29°84°4 of 11
July79°52°38°92°0 of 11
August79°51°39°91°0 of 11
September67°44°33°84°0 of 11
October53°33°21°71°8 of 10
November39°26°0°60°10 of 10
December29°17°-1°45°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.