Malad Summit Guard Station

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 the 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. Forest Road 041 is not maintained or plowed in the winter months; when snow accumulation keeps vehicles out, renters can park at the signed overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary, which accommodates up to four vehicles, and hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or snowmobile the half mile to the cabin. Renters should not park on private property before the cattleguard. The surrounding area offers a variety of recreation. Trails are provided for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicles. Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek, and hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime. The cabin can sleep six people on the three bunkbeds provided, with mattresses, a wood stove, a table with four chairs, a broom and dustpan, vacuum, cook prep area and sink; electrical appliances include a space heater, lights and an induction stove. A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post and picnic tables are located outside, and parking can accommodate up to three RVs. The cabin's water is shut off late September to May, so winter guests need to bring their own. Guests may find limited dishes and cookware; bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns and flashlights are not provided. Cleaning supplies are available, but guests should bring their own garbage bags, clean the cabin and pack out all trash before leaving. The cabin is tucked into a deciduous and conifer forest at an elevation of around 6,000 feet, with Mill Creek meandering through the site. The front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy views of the forest and possible wildlife sightings. Black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn are some of the species native to the area. Malad Summit Guard Station is managed by Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.