Overview The Paddy Flat Guard Station is located in the Payette National Forest of central Idaho. Guests enjoy the remote area for its hunting opportunities and abundance of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle roads and trails. Abundant streams and numerous alpine lakes within travel distance offer…
Overview The Paddy Flat Guard Station is located in the Payette National Forest of central Idaho. Guests enjoy the remote area for its hunting opportunities and abundance of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle roads and trails. Abundant streams and numerous alpine lakes within travel distance offer fantastic fishing opportunities. Recreation The Paddy Flat Guard Station serves as an excellent jumping-off point for adventures via horseback, motorcycle, ATV or hiking. Numerous trailheads within a few miles allow access to alpine lakes for fishing, meadows for watching birds and wildlife, as well as peaks ranging as high as 8,681 foot elevation for excellent views of the South Fork of the Salmon River drainage. Facilities Two cabins are available for rental at this guard station. Please be respectful of visitors at the adjacent cabin. The cabins were fully renovated in 2024.Limited kitchen utensils such as dished and silverware are provided, but please bring your own so you have what you need.The Guard Station is a "Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out" facility. All garbage/trash must leave with you. Please clean up after use.Pets are allowed, however please be sure to clean up after and maintain control of your animal.Administrative buildings on site are not available for use.Firewood gathering is available in the forest areas surrounding the Paddy Flat Guard Station, although none is provided on site. Do not bring firewood that is not local to the area. Don't Move Firewood! Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our National Forests by obtaining firewood in proximity to your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.No camping at the guard station. If camping is desired, Kennally Creek Campground, and a number of dispersed campsites are nearby.Cabin EastThe occupancy within the Cabin East is four people. The unit is fully accessible and includes an access ramp off the backdoor. The bathroom has a wheel-chai
Photos
Aerial view of the Paddy Flat Guard Station Cabin compound showing administrative buildings, and corrals — USFSInterior of Paddy Flat Guard Station Cabin East - kitchen area — USFSPaddy Flat Cabin West - kitchen — USFSPaddy Flat Guard Station East - front of rustic cabin showing porch and stairs with blue skies and mountains beyond — FSPaddy Flat Cabin West - exterior with porch. — USFSPaddy Flat Guard Station East - front of rustic cabin showing porch and stairs with blue skies and mountains beyond — FSPaddy Flat Guard Station Cabin East at a medium distance with rustic fence and trees. Barn in the background. — FS
How to Get There
If you are approaching the cabin from the north (McCall), drive approximately 9 miles south on State Highway 55. Paddy Flat Road will be a left turn (east). This is Forest Road #388. Follow road #388 approximately 5 miles to Paddy Flat Summit. At the summit take Forest Road #389, which is a slight turn to the right. Follow Forest Road #389 approximately 3 miles to the Paddy Flat Guard Station.If you are driving from the south, Paddy Flat Road will be a right turn approximately 3 miles north of the town of Donnelly. Again, this will be Forest Road #388 heading east. Follow #388 to Paddy Flat Summit, veer right onto Forest Road #389 and continue on to the guard station.
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 PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION
Heading to PADDY FLAT 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 PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250043) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION?
PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION has 2 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to PADDY FLAT GUARD STATION?
If you are approaching the cabin from the north (McCall), drive approximately 9 miles south on State Highway 55. Paddy Flat Road will be a left turn (east). This is Forest Road #388. Follow road #388 approximately 5 miles to Paddy Flat Summit. At the summit take Forest Road #389, which is a slight turn to the right. Follow Forest Road #389 approximately 3 miles to the Paddy Flat Guard Station.If y…
