Cabins · USDA Forest Service · Idaho
Cabins at Malad Summit Guard Station
USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States
- Sleeps
- 15
- Heated
- Yes
- Electricity
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,892 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Nearest town
- POCATELLO
- Address
- 4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID, 83204
- Phone
- 208-236-7500
About
Overview
Malad Summit Guard Station is located 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho on Malad Pass just off I-15. The rustic one-room cabin is in a forested setting in narrow Mill Creek Drainage, and offers a secluded retreat on fenced acreage surrounded by scenic high country views.
The original guard station was established in 1908, but was replaced by the existing cabin in 1934. The cabin is accessible by car when there is no snow. Guests should be prepared in snowy conditions to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile half a mile from the
plowed road to reach the cabin. The guard station offers many amenities for a comfortable stay, but fewer conveniences are available in winter.
Recreation
The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails are provided for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message).
Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek. Hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime.
Facilities
Malad Summit Guard Station is located near Mill Creek. The cabin can sleep six people on the three bunkbeds provided.
Amenities include three bunkbeds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with four chairs, a broom and dustpan, vacuum, cook prep area, and sink. Electrical appliances include space heater, lights, and induction stove.
A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic tables are located outside the cabin.
Parking can accommodate up to three RVs.
The cabin's water is shut off late September to May. Winter guests need to bring their own water.
Forest road 041 is not maintained/plowed in the winter months. When snow accumulation doesn't allow for vehicles to access the cabin via Forest Road 041, cabin renters can park at the overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary. Cabin renters should not park on private property before the cattleguard. The overnight parking area is signed and can accommodate up to 4 vehicles. Renters can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile to Malad Summit Guard Station.
Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.
Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Cleaning supplies are available. Guests should bring their own garbage bags and pack out all trash.
Malad Summit Guard Station is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.
Natural Features
The rustic single-room cabin is tucked into a deciduous and conifer forest at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. Mill Creek meanders through the site.
The front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy views of the forest and possible wildlife sightings. Black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn are some of the species native to the area (bear safety tips).
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 13° | -8° | 36° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 30° | 17° | -4° | 46° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 23° | 13° | 67° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 46° | 29° | 15° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 61° | 40° | 24° | 74° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 72° | 50° | 33° | 91° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 86° | 61° | 42° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 83° | 60° | 48° | 93° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 73° | 50° | 37° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 57° | 36° | 25° | 75° | 8 of 10 |
| November | 43° | 28° | -6° | 57° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 28° | 18° | -2° | 41° | 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.
Campgrounds nearby
- Malad Summit Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 0 mi · 1 sites
- Malad Summit Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 8 sites
- Downey City RV Park · City, County & Regional Parks · 9 mi · 10 sites
- Hawkins Reservoir Campground · Bureau of Land Management · 12 mi
- Third Creek Group Site · USDA Forest Service · 13 mi · 1 sites
Other cabins nearby
- Pebble Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 30 mi
- Cub River Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 33 mi
- Eight Mile Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 37 mi
- Egan Basin Guard Station · USDA Forest Service · 41 mi
- Massacre Rocks State Park · Idaho State Parks · 43 mi
All public cabins and yurts in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-01-16. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.