By:
Submission
Third Fork Cabin is a former guard station, first established in 1906 as Station 10 and renamed Third Fork in 1908. A cabin was built at that time, which
existed until the site was rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The current cabin's exterior has changed little since that time, with the exception of a metal roof being added sometime before 1984.
The cabin is available between mid-April until late-October, and is accessible by car. Many modern comforts are provided at the cabin, but guests may need to bring some additional supplies and gear for their stay.
Anglers can fish in adjacent Squaw Creek, and big game hunting is also a popular pastime.
This rustic cabin sleeps four people with one double bed and two single beds with mattresses. Other amenities include a propane cook range, table with chairs, hot water heater, indoor flush toilet, shower and propane heater and refrigerator. A picnic table, campfire ring and pedestal grill sit within the fenced yard.
A camp host is located at Antelope Campground, 18 miles east in the Sagehen Reservoir area, where firewood can be purchased.
While the water at the cabin is potable, guests should bring their own supply of drinking water as a back-up. Bedding, lighting, cookware and utensils are not provided. Guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Third Fork Cabin sits in a steep mountain landscape heavily forested with old-growth Ponderosa pine at an approximate elevation of 4,700 feet. Tall grasses and various hardwoods grow on the site. Small mountain streams containing native fish flow nearby, and the area is marked by unusual juxtapositions of basalt and granitic rock.
Wildlife watchers may spot elk or deer wandering through the area during dawn or dusk, as well as glimpse a bear or moose. Birders can look for a wide variety of bird species.
Sagehen Reservoir is a popular recreation area about 18 miles east of the cabin, offering numerous trails for off-road vehicles, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. Fishing and boating are permitted in the reservoir, and there is also a picnic area at Sagehen Dam.
From Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Horseshoe Bend. Turn left on Highway 52 and drive west 9 miles to the junction at Sweet/Ola Highway (no road number), then take a slight right. Take this road north 17 miles to Ola. Make a slight left and continue north through Ola on Road 618 (Third Fork Road) to the Third Fork Cabin. This road changes from pavement to gravel a few miles north of Ola. Third Fork Cabin will be on the right-hand side of Rd. 618.
Spent six days alone there. What's the most amazing place. Spent the days hiking with my dogs, enjoying the beautiful outdoors and the wonderful wildlife. Beware of the bear that likes to eat the berries behind the shed though....lol.
Our Family, The Wood Family reserved this cabin 6 months in advance and it definitely proved worth it. It is very close to the creek which allowed us to have a small 'swimming hole' right where the trail meets the water. The cabin featured 3 beds a bathroom, a four burner stove, a refrigerator, a freezer as well as a bathroom with sink, shower and a line to hang your clothes/towels. There is a picnic table and firepit(with grill) as well as a standing coal grill. We were able to hang 3 hammocks from the trees that surrounded the cabin. 5 stars for sure and be sure to write your entry in the Log Book that is on site! ;) God bless you and God Bless America! (And Idaho Especially ^_^ )
The cabin was remodeled recently, so it looks very nice inside and out. It is handicap friendly as well with ramps on the entrances and a handicap shower. There are two cabins there. One has a bed, bathroom, and kitchen and the other has two twin beds. The wildlife was amazing. There were frequent horse and cow visits as well as humming birds that drank out of the humming bird feeder. Overall an amazing experience!
