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…
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, snowsh
Photos
Restroom located on site. — USFSWinter Parking past the cattleguard — USFSLiving Room — Caribou-Targhee National Forest Malad Summit Guard Station picnic area — Caribou-Targhee National Forest Malad Guard Station — Caribou-Targhee National Forest Malad Summit Guard Station — USFSMill Creek — USFSWinter Parking — USFSWinter Parking Spaces — USFSMudroom with bunkbed — Caribou-Targhee National Forest Dining and cooking prep area. — Caribou-Targhee National Forest Malad Summit Guard Station Back Porch — Caribou-Targhee National Forest
How to Get There
Malad Guard Station is located 11 miles north of Malad, ID. On 1-15, take Exit 22 (Devil Creek Reservoir). Go north on N. Old Highway 191 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on E11000N/Forest Road 041 and cross over the interstate, drive 1.3 miles. At the bend keep right and continue on Forest Road 041 road for another mile. At the forest boundary there will be a Malad Summit Cabin sign and entrance gate. The cabin is located a few hundred feet past the entrance gate. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions and access at 208-236-7500.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MALAD SUMMIT GUARD STATION
Heading to MALAD SUMMIT GUARD STATION? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MALAD SUMMIT GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for MALAD SUMMIT GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234609) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MALAD SUMMIT GUARD STATION?
Malad Guard Station is located 11 miles north of Malad, ID. On 1-15, take Exit 22 (Devil Creek Reservoir). Go north on N. Old Highway 191 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on E11000N/Forest Road 041 and cross over the interstate, drive 1.3 miles. At the bend keep right and continue on Forest Road 041 road for another mile. At the forest boundary there will be a Malad Summit Cabin sign and entrance gate. Th…
