Third Fork Cabin

Overview

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.

Recreation

Anglers can fish in adjacent Squaw Creek, and big game hunting is also a popular pastime.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 4 people

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

18 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

2 stars

Danielle K

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This was our first time to Third Fork Cabin. We were so impressed by how nice it was. The couches look new. The hot water was superb. A beautiful wood table. Charming curtains. Wonderful amount of space inside and out. A binder with thorough history. The gas stove puts out HEAT. We accidentally roasted ourselves the first night expecting it to get colder than it actually did. The weather was perfect for our trip. Cool and warm but never cold or hot. One night a small amount of rain. Even though the area has been burned, a closed forest service road made a great walking path. Vehicles travel very fast on the main road so this was a much safer alternative. The stars were amazing at night. The nearby creek is very pretty, and I saw how there was a swimming hole if it had been hot enough. We did not see any cows but kept our dog on a tie up line. She did bark at some horseback riders. We took a side trip to Sage Hen Reservoir one day and that was interesting but we were much happier to have stayed at Third Fork which is a much less busy area. We did not bring any wood but enough was left from previous visitors that we had a nice fire one evening.

Rebecca C

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I was there years ago and it was pretty yucky. I'm so impressed with the renovation and update. Absolutely loved it. The peace and quiet hearing crickets and watching hummingbirds. Had such a cozy and comfy feel. I didn't want to leave.

Sherrill K

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We love the cabin but this year it was so smoky up there we could hardly breathe. I wanted to cancel but it was too late. We left early, we couldn’t take the heat n smoke. 😩

Evan L

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

We had a wonderful time at this cabin. We love watching the hummingbirds in the back porch. Also going down to the river is always a great time. The only downside was there was a lot of bugs. Lots of pesky flies outside and inside the cabin there was some beetle type bug. No mosquitoes though so that was nice. Overall we always have a great time here. Having the fridge and a bathroom is a major bonus!

Jaime H

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

We absolutely love Third Fork Cabin—it's our second year visiting! The cabin is well-stocked with all the kitchen essentials you need, and it is always clean, making for an enjoyable experience. I particularly love the hummingbird tree. Although the area experienced a fire a few years ago, the walk to the creek remains lovely.

Sherrill K

Loop:Thir

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Great time but a reminder the forest around there burned last year n many roads are closed.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve