About RED IVES CABIN
Overview Red Ives Cabin is a popular location in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It served as the Ranger Station for the Red Ives Ranger District of the St. Joe National Forest from the 1930s to 1984. Attractions include its location on the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. It is located 86 miles southeast of St. Maries, Idaho on Forest Road 218. The Cabin requires an entry key code to get in. Contact St. Joe Ranger District for instructions if you have a reservation at 208 245 2531. Recreation Red Ives offers several recreation opportunities from hiking and OHV use to world-class fishing and wildlife spotting. The St. Joe River also offers opportunities in floating and kayaking.Facilities The cabin features two bedrooms (one queen, two sets of bunkbeds and one queen size futon), kitchen, living room, bathroom and covered front porch; propane stove/oven and refrigerator; hot water, flush toilet and shower/tub. Battery lanterns are provided for lights, however visitors are recommended to bring additional battery operated lights. A gas log fireplace provides heat. Absolutely no pets. Natural Features The facility is set alongside the St. Joe National Wild and Scenic River. The terrain is mountainous with steep drainages and heavily forested mountain sides. Nearby Attractions Avery is the nearest town for conveniences.
How to Get There
From St. Maries, Idaho: Follow paved Forest Highway 50 (St. Joe River Rd) 47 miles to Avery. Continue 29 more miles along FH-50 to the Red Ives Road #218. Turn right (south) on road #218 and travel 10 miles upstream to the Red Ives Ranger Station. The Red Ives Road is a narrow One-lane road with turn-outs.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
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 RED IVES CABIN
Heading to RED IVES CABIN? 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 RED IVES CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for RED IVES CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272098) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RED IVES CABIN?
From St. Maries, Idaho: Follow paved Forest Highway 50 (St. Joe River Rd) 47 miles to Avery. Continue 29 more miles along FH-50 to the Red Ives Road #218. Turn right (south) on road #218 and travel 10 miles upstream to the Red Ives Ranger Station. The Red Ives Road is a narrow One-lane road with turn-outs.
How do I contact RED IVES CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: (208) 245-2531 or email: jbiar@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
