Highlighted Areas
![Photo of the Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse]( "Photo of the Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse") The Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse can accomodate up to 15 people making it ideal for groups and families. This is the only rental site on the IPNF available on a year around basis.
Provided for you: communal kitchen and dining facilities, cooking utensils, dishes, bar-b-que grill, broom and dustpan, single or double bed, mop and bucket. Bathroom facilities are communal and include showers and laundry.
Please bring along: bedding for single or double bed or sleeping bag, pillows, food and beverages, matches, first aid and medical supplies, warm clothing for cool evenings, toilet articles, paper towels, camera, your permit. The bunkhouse is a no smoking facility.
 Attractions: Located near the St. Maries River, birdwatching, Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Historic Marble Creek, Lines Creek Historical Trail (includes portions of the Incline Railroad), Freezeout Road #301 (one of the best kept secrets in North Idaho), Fossil Bowl (private) - motocross cycling and fossil digging, and the Emerald Creek Garnet Area.
History: The need for a Ranger Station in the Clarkia area was evident in 1935 when Shoshone and Benewah counties donated over 200,000 acres to the Forest Service. The Clarkia Ranger Station was built in 1942 and included this bunkhouse, the office, a shop/garage and two houses. The Clarkia Ranger Station became the Blister Rust Control Headquarters for the St. Joe National Forest area from 1940's to 1960's. Recent changes created the opportunity to place this bunkhouse on the Cabin Rental Program.
There are only two places in the world you can find Star Garnets - India and right here on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests! The garnets found here are called "star garnets" because of a unique property that causes some of them to display a reflection like a four or six pointed star. India is the only other place in the world where star garnets like these are found in any quantity.
The 12-sided (dodecahedron) crystals found here range in size from sand particles to golf-ball or larger size. Gem quality faceting material is also found at the Garnet Area.
The Forest Service has developed the Garnet Area as a place where the public may collect these unique gems in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In the past, people would dig in the stream bed in search of the garnets. Now, due to concerns for water quality, aquatic habitat, and public safety, the Forest Service provides a stockpile of garnet bearing gravels from which people can gather material to run through one of two sluice boxes in search of garnets. Click here to learn what to bring, get detailed directions, view photo galleries, and more!
It's been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Winding through nine tunnels and over seven high steel trestles, the 15-mile route crosses the rugged Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana.
The route of the Hiawatha is best known for the long, dark St. Paul Pass or "Taft" Tunnel which burrows for 1.66 miles under the state line. The tunnel, which had been closed for repairs, reopened for use by mountain bikers, hikers, and wheelchair users the end of May 2001.
The first 13 miles of the route were opened to the public on May 29, 1998. When finished, a bicyclist will be able to ride the Route of the Hiawatha between St. Regis, Montana and Pearson, Idaho. Once again, people will be able to travel the Milwaukee Road over the Bitterroot Mountains, soaking up the rich history and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. MORE INFORMATION...
 Red Ives Cabin is one of our most popular rental facilities. It served as the Ranger Station for the Red Ives Ranger District of the St. Joe National Forest from the 1930s to 1984. Attractions include its location on the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River. It is located 86 miles southeast of St. Maries, Idaho on Forest Road 218.
The cabin features 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and covered front porch; propane stove/oven and refrigerator; hot water, flush toilet, and shower/ tub. Propane/battery lanterns are provided for lights and there is a gas log fireplace for heat. Absolutely no pets. For current conditions click here. For more information please contact the St. Maries Ranger Station at (208) 245-2531.
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