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Lochsa Historical Ranger Station
The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station is located along U.S. Highway 12 in the Lochsa River drainage, approximately 48 miles east of Kooskia, Idaho. From 1925 to the late 1950s, the station was utilized as a backcountry Ranger Station by the Forest Service. It served as the administrative hub for a system of fire lookouts, smoke chaser cabins, and other remote Forest Service facilities linked together by a system of pack trails and telephone lines. In 1976, the station was formally dedicated as an interpretive site, as part of the nation's Bicentennial Celebration. The station is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The visitor center, located within the Alternate Ranger's cabin, is a shady oasis on a hot summer day. The mix of conifers and Locust trees provide a pleasant rest stop for the weary traveler.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station will be open during normal business hours until mid-september in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No Fee. |
| Open Season: | July 08, 2024 - Labor Day Weekend |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Closest Towns: | Lowell, ID |
| Water: | Drinking water is provided |
| Restroom: | 2 flush toilets |
| Information Center: |
|
General Information
Accessibility:Paved roads, parking and walkways make this site fully accessible.
Directions:
The Historical Ranger Station is located at mile marker 121.5 on U.S. Hwy 12 between Wilderness Gateway Campground and Fish Creek River Access.
Activities
Road Cycling
The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station is a great stop for highway cyclists to rest, eat lunch in the shade, refill water and get information about the forest and current conditions (e.g. roads, fires, events, bike trails).
Viewing Scenery
The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station's surrounding landscape is great place to take in the scenery while learning about the grounds and historic buildings.
Interpretive Areas
The station is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year and is staffed by volunteer hosts, many of whom worked at the station when it was a working Ranger Station; a touch that provides a sense of "living history." 2007 was the 30th anniversary of the station's use as an interpretive site.
Visitor Centers
The hosts at the visitor center provide information to the public about recreational opportunities on the forest. They assist visitors with information about trails, campgrounds, the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Lolo Pass Vistior Center. Books, maps, t-shirts and other souvenirs are available for purchase at the visitor center.
Picnicking
The Ranger Station is a nice place to have a picnic.
Scenic Driving
Highway 12, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway-All American Road
Location
