Magruder Rangers House

Overview

Magruder Rangers House is one of seven buildings still used by Forest Service trail crews and wilderness rangers. The rental cabin is available from early June to mid-October. It provides visitors with access to two designated wilderness areas, plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration and a comfortably equipped place to stay. The Ranger Station is open to the general public and the main entrance/exit road runs by the rental cabin. There are several trails which leave from the Ranger Station area so you can choose your destination and come back to relax in a cozy cabin.

Recreation

Hunting, fishing and hiking are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The adjacent Scenic and Wild Selway River and a variety of nearby mountain streams are well known for trout fishing. Anglers might see bullhead, rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat trout, as well as mountain whitefish. There are a variety of trails that traverse the area. They are open to hiking and horseback riding. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries but are allowed on roads.

Facilities

The Magruder Ranger House is a historical cabin and along with six other buildings which were at one time part of the Deep Creek Ranger Station and later the Magruder Ranger Station.

The two-story, five-room log cabin has two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen and an indoor bathroom. It has beds with mattresses, as well as futons, to sleep up to 10 people. A wood stove for heat is available in the basement of the cabin and firewood is provided.

The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane refrigerator, stove and propane lights. Cooking and eating utensils are available, as well as various cleaning equipment. During the summer, hot and cold running water is available for the kitchen and bathroom, which has a flush toilet and a shower. The water system is turned off for fall and winter. Water is turned on from June through September 30. An outdoor vault toilet is provided.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, towels, food, matches, garbage bags and toilet paper, among other necessities. It is required that guests replenish the cut kindling supply and clean the cabin prior to leaving.

The cabin is accessible by four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Please be aware the access is through a forested area where trees may fall across roads and trails anytime and there is no cell phone coverage.

Livestock are not permitted at the Magruder Cabin compound.

Natural Features

The house is located on the Selway River, between the 1.2-million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. It was once the residence of the district ranger and his family.

Most of the area is covered by coniferous forests, with open meadows near the river. Because of its size, the wilderness provides a secluded habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Populations of mountain lions and grey wolves live in the area, as well as coyote, fox, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears (learn about outdoor safety).

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (406) 821-3269.

Nearby Attractions

The adjacent Magruder Road provides drivers with a unique experience in the back country of Idaho. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and remains much the same now as it did then. The "Deep Creek Ranger Station" as it was once known, now called the Magruder Ranger Station is a step back in time.

Explore the Selway River Road to Indian Creek where you will find interpretive information and the remains of the Indian Creek Hatching Channel.

Meander down to the end of the road to explore the beautiful Paradise Campground and White Cap Creek.

The Selway River put in is the start of adventures for lucky whitewater permit holders from May 15 through July 31. Those lucky enough to draw the permits are anxiously awaiting their adventure.