Cabin & Lookout Hosting Program
Our cabin and lookout hosting programs pair individual volunteers with the stewardship and/or hosting of backcountry cabins and lookouts.
This program is an on-going annual program that can be accomplished by only one or two individuals at a time per cabin/lookout, as opposed to one-time projects such as a week-long volunteer trail project. However, don’t let the fact that these are annual on-going programs deter you from volunteering…we’re happy to work with you for almost any amount of time that you are willing to help out, even if that’s only once. However, because this program tends to be affiliated with extended stays at backcountry cabins and lookouts, many volunteers choose to come back year after year for the spectacular wildland experience.
The program provides opportunities to help in taking care of administrative cabins (both inside and outside of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness). Cabin hosts and stewards assist with cabin maintenance, opening and closing of cabins, and support of volunteers working at cabins. Volunteers typically stay at the cabins for the duration of the work, which could be anywhere from several days to several months, and then return home.
Volunteers who will be serving as cabin hosts live at cabins for significant portions of the summer (typically two or more months), and return for multiple years. Cabin hosts are responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of cabins (including carpentry, plumbing, etc.), supporting wilderness staff needs at cabins, supporting cabin stewards, providing a hub for backcountry communication and assisting backcountry visitors. They become well-versed in the Forest Service communication protocols and details of the wilderness program on the Forest.
To be clear, neither the cabin stewardship nor cabin host volunteer positions are “vacation cabin” opportunities…the work that these volunteer positions present is challenging and abundant, but highly rewarding.
Click here to learn about cabins to host or steward!
Moose Creek Ranger Station, Nez Perce National Forest
Located 26 miles into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness at the confluence of Moose Creek and the Selway River, the iconic Moose Creek Ranger Station is the main hub for wilderness work on the Moose Creek Ranger District of the Nez Perce National Forest. With multiple administrative cabins, bunk houses, a corral and an airstrip, there’s always plenty of work at Moose Creek.
Interested in becoming a host or steward at Moose Creek Ranger Station? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Shearer Guard Station, Nez Perce National Forest
Located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness between Paradise Guard Station and Moose Creek Ranger Station, Shearer is remote and wild. Situated on the Selway River, it is a wonderful location to spend time working and enjoying the wilderness.
Interested in becoming a host or steward at Shearer Guard Station? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Fish Lake Cabin, Clearwater National Forest
This administrative cabin is located at Fish Lake in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, a truly sublime site. Sitting just below Wounded Doe Ridge, Fish Lake is home to the only lake-based airstrip within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Interested in becoming a host of steward at Fish Lake Guard Station? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Elk Summit Guard Station, Clearwater National Forest
Elk Summit Guard Station sits at the end of Elk Summit Road at beside the Elk Summit Trailhead, which serves as a major portal into the northeastern portion of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This guard station is accessible by road.
Interested in becoming a host of steward at Elk Summit Guard Station? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Saint Mary Peak Lookout, Bitterroot National Forest
Since 2011 the SBFC has been staffing this iconic lookout with volunteers responsible for both fire spotting as well as interacting with the public. We are excited to be assisting the Forest Service with the continued staffing and maintenance of this amazing and historic lookout.
Interested in becoming a volunteer lookout for Saint Mary Peak? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Falconberry Guard Station, Salmon-Challis National Forest
The remotely-located Falconberry Guard Station is one or the newest additions to our cabin hosting and stewardship program. Located in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, this cabin provides plenty of opportunity for solitude and maintenance work.
Interested in becoming a volunteer lookout at Falconberry? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.
Paradise Guard Station, Bitterroot National Forest
Located in the Idaho portion of the Bitterroot National Forest, Paradise Guard Station sits at the end-of-the-line in terms of roads, deep within the backcountry. While not within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, it is completely surrounded by the wilderness and along White Cap Creek near the wild Selway River upstream from Shearer Guard Station. This guard station is accessible by road.
Interested in becoming a steward for at Paradise Guard Station? Please contact info@selwaybitteroot.org.