Walde Lookout Cabin
01 review502 LOWRY STREET
Walde Lookout Cabin
$3.00 - $9.00 / 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
Reservation fees for cabins like Walde Lookout Cabin may include $8 for online/app, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person. Recreation use fees vary based on location and activity.
About this campground
Perched high in the mountains, Walde Lookout Cabin beckons winter adventurers to experience the solitude of a 1941 log cabin retreat. This cozy 14x16-foot sanctuary comes alive with the crackle of its wood stove and the warm glow of propane lighting, offering respite after a day exploring the snow-covered wilderness. Modern comforts blend with rustic charm through a propane cook stove and essential kitchen utensils, while a well-stocked firewood shed ensures warmth throughout your stay. The journey here is part of the adventure—accessible only by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes through pristine powder and towering evergreens, with the dramatic Selway Crags rising in the distance.
Walde Lookout Cabin is a unique rental accommodation specifically designed for winter use. It is not a traditional campground but offers rustic lodging for up to four guests.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to 1941, when skilled craftsmen built this sturdy log cabin as a haven for fire lookout employees who kept vigilant watch from the adjacent tower. The original lookout, constructed in 1939, still stands sentinel over the forest, continuing its vital role in fire detection during summer and fall months. These walls have sheltered generations of forest guardians, and today they offer modern adventurers a chance to connect with the legacy of those who protected these wild lands.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-December through late March, Walde Lookout transforms into a winter wonderland where deep snowpack blankets the landscape and crystalline air fills your lungs. January temperatures dance between crisp highs of 37°F and invigorating lows of 24°F, creating perfect conditions for snow sports and cozy cabin evenings. Wildlife tracks crisscross the snow, telling stories of the creatures that call this frozen paradise home, while storm systems occasionally sweep through, depositing fresh powder and reminding visitors of nature's raw power.
ElevationAt 5,220 feet above sea level, Walde Lookout Cabin offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp and views stretch endlessly across snow-capped peaks. This lofty perch provides breathtaking panoramic vistas that reward those willing to make the journey, while winter temperatures at this elevation create ideal conditions for snow enthusiasts seeking powder-filled adventures and star-filled nights far above the valley floor.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by a cathedral of towering evergreens draped in winter white, Walde Lookout Cabin sits at the heart of a pristine wilderness tableau. The jagged peaks of the Selway Crags pierce the horizon, while expansive views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness unfold in every direction. This high-elevation sanctuary serves as a wildlife crossroads where lucky visitors might glimpse majestic elk picking their way through deep drifts, catch sight of a solitary moose, or discover the tracks of elusive gray wolves and cougars etched in fresh snow.
Geological RegionNestled at the dramatic watershed divide separating the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers, Walde Lookout Cabin occupies a unique geographical position within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. This ridge-top location offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological drama of the Northern Rockies, where ancient forces carved the spectacular Selway Crags and created the deep valleys that channel mountain waters toward distant seas. Dense evergreen forests cloak the mountainsides, their roots anchored in soils that tell the story of millennia of geological transformation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGuests must reach the cabin via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. No specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were noted.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 14x16 feet, accommodating four people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by a dense evergreen forest, offering significant privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes for access and prepare for cold weather. 4x4 vehicles are strongly recommended for initial parking access.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole facility for overnight camping.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to four people.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this facility.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThis is a single-cabin facility.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season approximately mid-December through late March.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov via online/app, contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not applicable as the cabin is reservable.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made 14+ days before check-in to avoid late fees. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night’s recreation use 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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Walde Lookout Cabin caters specifically to winter recreation. Several trails nearby are suitable for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Sledding opportunities are also available.
Hiking
"Several trails crisscross the vicinity" providing options for winter hiking activities like snowshoeing.Wildlife viewing
The winter landscape supports sightings of mule and white-tailed deer, elk, moose, gray wolf, cougar, and various bird species.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable for this cabin.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests should use the wood stove provided and avoid candles inside for safety. Firewood is made available in an outdoor shed.
Hazards
General hazardsAccess to the cabin requires traversing challenging snow-covered roads, and guests must be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Wildlife such as cougars and gray wolves inhabit the area, presenting potential hazards.
Active alertsWinter road access may be impassable and ungroomed during open season. Contact Lochsa Ranger District for updates.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are available in Kooskia, ID. Guests are advised to prepare for emergencies as cell coverage is unreliable.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out any trash they generate. Garbage bags must be brought by the visitors.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are directly accessible or noted near the cabin.
Common complaintsReviews mention limited accessibility due to the challenging snow-covered roads and the necessity of vehicles with 4x4 capabilities.
HostNo specific host details provided. Contact Lochsa Ranger District for inquiries: (208) 926-4274.
Campground Map
502 LOWRY STREET
Driving directionsFrom Kooskia, ID, take Highway 12 East to Kamiah. Turn left onto Woodland Road for half a mile, then take the second right onto Glenwood Road (Road 100). Stay on this paved road until you reach the junction with Yakus Creek Road (Road 519). Park here (be sure to park out of the way of traffic as there may be active logging operations throughout the winter). Travel by snowmobile along Road 519 about 1 mile where it turns into Road 514. Travel this road for approx. 9 miles where it intersects Road 101 at Fan Saddle. Continue on Road 101 for another 5 miles to Mystery Saddle and turn right on Road 486A. At the junction of Road 486D, stay to the right and follow Road 486A for another 2 miles to Walde Cabin.
Access requires snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes along snow-covered, unpaved roads. Roads are not groomed, and guests are advised to contact the Lochsa Ranger District at (208) 926-4274 for current road status.Nearby places
Kooskia, ID (17 miles, travel required via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Kooskia, ID, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Guests are advised to pack essentials due to limited access during winter.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Walde Lookout Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users typically describe Walde Lookout Cabin as a charming winter retreat. The rustic nature of the cabin requires preparation, but the scenery and activities available make it worthwhile.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the cabin's cleanliness, scenic location, and proximity to winter trails. Firewood availability and functional propane amenities were also noted as positives.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the difficulty of accessing the cabin due to snow and the lack of reliable cell phone service. Additional concerns revolve around the need for visitors to bring numerous...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Ensure to bring essential supplies like bedding, drinking water, and garbage bags. 2. Prepare for challenging travel conditions; 4x4 vehicles or snowmobiles are highly recommended.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews are generally positive during the winter months due to the cabin's suitability for snowmobiling and skiing. However, complaints about the difficulty of accessing the cabin and extreme weather...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great for an Airbnb stay. The cabin is clean with lots of wood paneling, great soaking tub and well-stocked." (Neil Aschliman) "It should be noted if you intend to get up to the cabin you need to...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews are centered around the cabin itself, highlighting its cleanliness and rustic charm.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific feedback on accessibility for disabled guests was recorded.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025