Adams Ranger Station
4.139 reviewsHungry Ridge Road #309, Grangeville, ID 83530, USA
Adams Ranger Station
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for the cabin is $50. This does not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges. Additional fees may apply for reservation service, modifications, or cancellations.
About this campground
Step back in time at Adams Ranger Station Cabin, where the whispers of Forest Service history echo through timber walls built in 1932. Nestled deep within the Nez Perce National Forest, this authentic ranger station invites you to experience the rugged beauty of Idaho's backcountry. Your gateway to the spectacular Gospel-Hump Wilderness awaits, along with the ghostly remnants of Florence—a gold rush town frozen in time. Here, rustic charm meets mountain serenity in a setting that has sheltered forest rangers, adventurers, and dreamers for nearly a century.
Adams Ranger Station Cabin offers cabin-based lodging with no provisions for tent or RV camping at the site.
Historical SignificanceThis weathered cabin stands as a testament to the Forest Service's golden age, when rangers on horseback patrolled vast wilderness expanses from remote outposts like this one. Constructed in 1932, Adams Ranger Station carries the legacy of the historic Adams Camp and the legendary Milner Trail, which once guided fortune-seekers through these mountains during the 1860s gold rush. The very walls seem to hold stories of grizzled prospectors, dedicated forest guardians, and the transformation of the American West from wild frontier to protected wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints a different masterpiece at Adams Ranger Station. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow-laden trails perfect for snowshoeing adventures. Summer brings gentle mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures that beckon hikers to explore endless wilderness paths. Spring's dramatic snowmelt temporarily cuts off access, creating a natural intermission that allows the forest to renew itself. Fall arrives in a blaze of golden larches and crisp mountain air, offering some of the year's most spectacular hiking conditions.
ElevationPerched at 5,150 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, Adams Ranger Station offers a true mountain retreat. At this elevation, summer days bring refreshing coolness while nights require cozy layers, and the stars shine with remarkable clarity through the pristine mountain atmosphere. The altitude creates a perfect balance—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Gospel-Hump Wilderness unfolds around you like nature's grand theater, showcasing everything from dense, moss-draped forests in the north to sun-baked ridgelines in the south. This dramatic landscape serves as home to some of the West's most magnificent wildlife—mountain lions patrol silent ridges, majestic moose browse in hidden meadows, sure-footed bighorn sheep navigate impossible cliffs, mountain goats reign over alpine heights, and the haunting call of wolves occasionally pierces the wilderness silence. Each vista reveals nature's raw power and delicate beauty in perfect harmony.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of the Nez Perce National Forest, the cabin rests in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and carved by time. Rugged, glaciated divides tower overhead while the mighty Salmon River has etched steep canyon walls that plunge dramatically into wild waters below. This geological wonderland creates distinct microclimates at every elevation—from lush fern groves in shaded valleys to hardy alpine meadows clinging to windswept peaks. The Gospel-Hump Wilderness boundary lies tantalizingly close, promising endless exploration through one of Idaho's last great wild places.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for disabled visitors are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 8 people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located off a quiet road and provides a shaded, peaceful environment. One review noted, 'It's set in a nice shaded area, had a nice porch to sit under on a hot afternoon, and fire ring to sit around.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests are advised to bring D-size batteries, a pound of propane for the lantern, and consider glue traps for mice. Mill Creek offers water access 0.6 miles away.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole campsite in this facility and offers proximity to Gospel-Hump Wilderness and historical sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests are permitted.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is a standalone facility located off a quiet road with surrounding wilderness.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round except during spring melt (mid-March to late May). Peak season is June 18 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a reservation-only facility; walk-up availability is not permitted.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or modified through Recreation.gov. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to arrival. Changes to reservation dates outside the original stay incur a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Adams Ranger Station Cabin offers various recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. The cabin is centrally located for exploring the Gospel-Hump Wilderness, the Milner Trail (suitable for off-road vehicles in summer and snowmobiles in winter), and nearby attractions such as the historic gold-mining town of Florence.
Hiking
Numerous trails surround the cabin, leading into the scenic Gospel-Hump Wilderness. The Corral Creek trailhead nearby accommodates both hikers and horses.Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist in the surrounding areas, although specific water bodies and fish species are not detailed in the sources.Biking
Biking is listed as an available activity but no specific trails or terrains are described in the official sources.Wildlife viewing
The Gospel-Hump Wilderness features diverse wildlife, including mountain lions, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and wolves.Cultural and Educational Programs
Visitors can explore nearby cultural sites such as the historic gold-mining town of Florence. User reviews also mention reading historical journals provided in the cabin.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling along a groomed route to the cabin and exploring the snowy landscapes around the Gospel-Hump Wilderness.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned in the provided details.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must bring their own firewood for outdoor campfires. Firewood rounds provided are exclusively for cabin heating.
- Quiet hours are not specified explicitly.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (mountain lions, wolves), exposure to hantavirus, and respiratory irritation from molds/mildew in the cabin.
Active alertsSpring melt closures occur from mid-March to late May. Guests are advised to bring necessary supplies to mitigate mice presence and respiratory issues related to mold.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Grangeville, ID, which is approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 18 to December 31
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and recycling materials as this is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility.
Proximity to water featuresMill Creek is approximately 0.6 miles away and can provide water for washing and showering.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention issues with mildew, lack of lighting and batteries, and poor road conditions leading to the cabin.
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
Hungry Ridge Road #309, Grangeville, ID 83530, USA
Driving directionsThere are two ways to access this cabin in the summer: From Grangeville, turn south on Grangeville-Salmon Road and follow the signs toward Gospel Hump and Salmon River. At mile marker 29, turn left (east) onto Hungry Ridge Road #309 and drive approximately 1 mile. Turn left at signs for Adams Ranger Station/Wilson Cow Camp and climb the small hill toward the cabin. Alternatively, from Highway 14, turn west at mile marker 17 on Hungry Ridge Road. Look for signs for Adams Ranger Station/Wilson Cow Camp. In winter, park at Fish Creek Snow Park and snowmobile Forest Road 221 to Four Corners. Follow signs toward Salmon River and Gospel Hump Wilderness. Turn left onto Hungry Ridge Road #309 and head east for approximately 1 mile.
The cabin can be accessed via paved roads but requires navigating Hungry Ridge Road #309. Winter access requires a groomed snowmobile route from Fish Creek Snow Park, approximately 30 miles away.Nearby places
Grangeville, ID (approx. 30 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located in Grangeville, ID, 30 miles from the cabin.
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Adams Ranger Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Adams Ranger Station reflect a mix of positive experiences and concerns. Guests appreciate the cabin's rustic charm, historical significance, and proximity to natural attractions. However, issues such as mold and mildew, mouse droppings, and outdated amenities have been raised by some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the cabin’s serene setting, historical ambiance, and essential amenities such as cookware and propane heating. One user states, 'Beautiful well-kept cabin that was...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users have pointed out issues with mold and mildew, outdated lighting, and mice. One visitor mentioned, 'The mildew and molds were too strong inside the cabin for us to sleep,' while another...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing extra lighting, batteries, propane canisters, and mouse traps. One recommendation states, 'Bring "D" size batteries for the lights and a 1-pound propane tank for the gas...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the cabin is most enjoyable during mid-summer when wildlife and natural features are abundant, such as huckleberries in August. Winter guests highlight the groomed snowmobile...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Huckleberries are on around the 2nd-3rd week of August, right out the front door!'
2. 'The setting is beautiful and the history of the cabin is interesting.'
3. 'Beautiful and interesting...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews primarily address the sole cabin available, highlighting its historical charm, peaceful setting, and functional amenities. Concerns about mold, mice, and outdated features are...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not specifically mentioned in the user comments.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025