Tarpons Roost Cabin

Overview

Tarpons Roost Cabin provides a fantastic modern place to stay while recreating in the scenic Beaverhead Mountains of central Idaho. The cabin is situated along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail near Lemhi Pass.

During the summer months the cabin can be accessed by passenger vehicle from the access road south of Lemhi Pass. The Continental Divide Trail is directly across the meadow in-front of the cabin, making it easy to go for a hike and explore the area. The area surrounding the cabin also offers numerous opportunities to explore the past at the interpretive sites within the Lewis and Clark National Historic Landmark

During the winter months the cabin can be accessed by snowmobile, cross-country skiing, or other winter travel methods. There is a groomed snowmobile trail that leads to the cabin via the Warm Springs Road. The winter wonderland surrounding the cabin during the winter provides endless opportunities for solitude or winter recreation.

Recreation

The area hosts a vast array of seasonal recreation opportunities including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, Off-Highway-Vehicle riding, big game hunting, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing to name a few. The Continental Divide Trail passes close to the cabin and long-distance thru hikers can be seen daily from July to September. The Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark provides numerous historic and cultural interpretive opportunities. The surrounding area in Idaho and Montana is well known for its abradant wildlife and big game hunting opportunities.

Facilities

The cabin built in 2024 has two twin over queen bunk beds and can sleep up to six people. A wood stove is available for heat, and firewood and an axe are provided from October 1-June 15. You will need to provide your own firewood from June 16-September 30. An outdoor vault toilet is provided near the cabin.

A cabin contains a basic-equipped kitchen, a large table with benches and stools, and a variety of cooking and eating utensils. The kitchen has a propane cooking stove and a small sink for wastewater. Water is not available at the cabin. A propane lantern should also be available, but fuel is not supplied for the lantern or cook stove.

Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning, as well as bedding, towels, toilet paper, soap, matches, food and other necessities. Guests should bring their own bedding, food, toilet paper, towels, flashlights, garbage bags and 16-ounce propane canisters for the stove and lantern. All garbage and food must be packed out and guests should clean the cabin prior to leaving.

The cabin has no electricity or running water. It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is also available at the Sacajawea Memorial Picnic Area or from a nearby spring, but it must be treated or boiled prior to use.

Natural Features

The cabin is located along the Continental Divide separating the East-West draining watersheds of the United States. It is found in the Beaverhead Mountains of central Idaho at the edge of a grassy meadow in a forest dominated by lodgepole pine trees at an elevation of 7,500 feet. The area surrounding the cabin is abundant with wildlife, history, and recreation opportunities.

Nearby Attractions

Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This is the point where the party first crossed the continental divide on August 12, 1805.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that spans over 3,100 miles from Mecio to Canada. This long-distance trail sees thousands of visitors yearly from all over the world to attempt a complete thru hike or enjoy smaller sections.