Kelly Forks Cabin
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Kelly Forks cabin is located in a small clearing within an active forest service work center. It was originally built at the confluence of Moose and Kelly Creeks during the mid-1930’s to be used as a stopover between the upper North Fork and the Bungalow Ranger stations. It was then dismantled, floated down Kelly Creek, and reassembled at its current location during the mid-1900s. Fully remodeled around 2002 with modern comforts, the cabin maintains a high demand throughout the rental season. Although accessible by car, the gravel roads on the district can be quite rough and partially blocked with debris. Visitors are strongly advised to consult a map as well as the forest website prior to reserving or traveling to the cabin.
There is a maximum consecutive stay of 6 nights per user and a maximum total stay of 6 nights per year per user. Users may only hold two reservations for this cabin at any one time. Failure to abide by these rules may result in cancelled reservations without refund of reservation or cancellation fees.
The 3-room cabin can accommodate up to six people and is furnished with electricity, lights, running water, “on demand” propane hot water, and individual electric radiant heaters for each room. The bedroom contains 1 twin and 1 full size mattress and a dresser w/mirror. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower stall, flush toilet, sink and mirror. The kitchen is equipped with an electric range w/oven, microwave, refrigerator/ freezer, sink, drip coffee pot, toaster and an odd assortment of pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils, cups, and glasses. The vaulted living area provides 2 full sized futons, and dining table with 4 chairs. The cabin also has a large covered porch with camp chairs and a picnic area that has a table and fire ring (guests provide their own firewood). The cabin can be reserved for a single night or up to 6 consecutive nights by the same individual or group. Guests are required to bring their own bedding, pick up after their pets, and clean the cabin before they check out with the provided cleaning supplies under the “leave it cleaner than when you arrived” policy.
Need to Know
There is a maximum consecutive stay of 6 nights per user and a maximum total stay of 6 nights per year per user. Users may only hold two reservations for this cabin at any one time. Failure to abide by these rules may result in cancelled reservations without refund of reservation and cancellation fees.
Kelly Forks Cabin is secured by a combination lock, the code to open the lock will be provided upon receipt of payment.
Outdoor fires are only allowed in the designated fire ring provided at the picnic site behind the cabin, unless otherwise restricted.
Due to space constraints, there is assigned parking for a maximum of four vehicles at the facility (a truck with an OHV trailer is considered two vehicles). Park only in designated, hardened, parking spots to protect area resources.
Tents, RVs and trailers are prohibited within the vicinity of the cabin.
Click here for more information about Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin is situated in a small semi secluded clearing surrounded by evergreens, cottonwood, and alder mixed with huckleberries at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The area is known worldwide as a blue-ribbon fishery for West Slope Cutthroat Trout, and the beautiful crystal-clear waters are just a stone's throw from the cabin. A wide variety of wildlife including elk, white-tailed and mule deer, black bear, wolf, cougar, bobcat, mountain goat, moose, eagle, otter, marten, fisher, osprey, raven, king fisher, dippers and many more call the steep, densely vegetated river valleys home. Seasonal changes can be particularly enjoyable from the swift moving whitewater in the spring to the extraordinary fall colors pursued by the crisp white snow line.
Recreation
There are several fishing “holes” and hiking trails located within easy walking distance of the cabin with many more a short drive in any direction. The North Fork Ranger District prides itself on the diversity of world class recreational opportunities ranging from bird/wildlife watching, big game hunting, whitewater rafting, leisurely floats, secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcountry, to motorized OHV trail systems providing unique experiences that draw visitors from around the world and all walks of life. Be sure to check the regulations and rules to educate yourself before you recreate by visiting https://idfg.idaho.gov/ and https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/nezperceclearwater/news-events for up to date information.
Contact Information
Mailing
Clearwater National Forest 12740 Highway 12 Orofino ID 83544
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-476-4541
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Kelly Forks cabin is approximately 45 miles northeast of the community of Pierce, Idaho on the North Fork Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest within the Kelly Forks work center compound. The last 35 miles to the cabin from Pierce are mostly single lane, gravel surfaced roadways that may be peppered with large potholes, rocks and/or debris. Seasonal conditions permitting, the cabin is also approachable from I90 via Superior MT, with the addition of a high mountain pass that is usually impassible from late Oct to mid-July with 50 miles of gravel/dirt road conditions. To plan your trip accordingly, visitors are strongly advised to consult a map, the forest web site, and seasonal conditions in advance of making reservations as well as prior to travel since there are no services available on the forest.
To approach Kelly Forks cabin from Idaho via US HWY 12 and State HWY 11: Locate French Mountain Road, also known as Forest Service Road 250, on the east side of State HWY 11 (Main St) on the south end of Peirce Idaho (approximately 3/4 of a mile from city center). Travel on FSR 250 for approximately 45 miles (be sure to stay to the right after crossing the North Fork of the Clearwater River at the “Historic Bungalow Ranger Station site”) until you reach the Kelly Forks work center. Enter the compound via the third entrance on the right as signed and stay to the left at the fork before the employee housing complex and follow the road to the cabin at the back of the compound.
Conditions permitting: Kelly Forks cabin can be approached from USI90 via Superior MT by locating the River St under pass of USI90. Follow River St to Diamond Match Rd on the south side of USI90, follow Diamond Match Rd southeast past Riverbend where the road curves to the south and becomes FSR 250 (also known as the Trout Creek Road) travel 25 miles to Hoodoo Pass at the Idaho-Montana state line. Continue southwest on FSR 250 for approximately 29 more miles past the FSR 250/FSR 255 junction and thru Black Canyon to the Kelly Forks Work Center, then continue on FSR 250 100’ to the first road on the left entering the compound as signed, and stay to the left at the fork before the employee housing complexes, continue following the road to the cabin at the back of the compound.
*NOTE: Hoodoo Pass, is a remote mountain pass that rises to 6,000 ft elevation and is typically impassable due to snow from late Oct until mid-July when the pass melts out. Black Canyon typically has spring debris slides that can make FSR 250 between Hoodoo pass and Kelly Forks Work Center impassible until cleared. An alternate route is to take FSR 255 through Deception and then follow it along Kelly Creek back to FSR250.
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