Cabin lottery applications available

ST. MARIES - Don't delay if you hope to stay at Red Ives.

The St. Joe Ranger District is accepting applications for the lottery to select reservation rental dates for its popular cabin.

Applications need to be received by the end of February. Send applications to: St. Joe Ranger District, St. Maries Office, 222 S. Seventh St. Suite 1, St. Maries, ID 83861.

"Due to the high demand for the Red Ives Cabin, we use a lottery system for cabin rental reservations to ensure everyone has a fair chance to reserve the facility," said Wade Sims, St. Joe Ranger District Ranger.

Although just 50 applicants can be selected, more than 400 applications were received for the 2011 season. Demand for this location is expected to be equally high in 2012.

How to Apply for Red Ives Cabin Rental Lottery

• Lottery applications can be obtained from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website by selecting the Red Ives Quick Link.

• You can also pick up an application at the Forest Service Offices in St. Maries and Avery.

• Lottery applications must be received or postmarked by the end of February. Mail applications to: St. Joe Ranger District, ATTN: Red Ives Cabin Rental, 222 S. Seventh St. Suite 1, St. Maries, ID 83861.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the end of March. Cabin rental dates not booked through the lottery process will be available on a "first-come" basis and will be posted on the cabin website the first week of April.

Red Ives Cabin will open for the 2011 season on Memorial Day Weekend - weather permitting - through Sept. 30. The fee is $60 per night with a maximum stay of three nights. The capacity is eight people. It is 86 miles southeast of St. Maries on Forest Road 218. No pets are allowed.

The cabin features two 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.

Info: 245-2531

Other rental opportunities on the St. Joe Ranger District

• Clarkia Bunkhouse: The Clarkia Guest Bunkhouse can accommodate up to 19 people making it ideal for groups and families. This is the only rental site on the IPNF available on a year-round basis. Located close to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area the bunkhouse makes a great place to stay after digging for Garnets all day. Reservations can be made by contacting the St. Joe Ranger District at (208) 245-2531. Additional information can be found on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest website.

• Surveyor's Lookout: Surveyor's Lookout is perched at a 6,000-foot elevation on top of Surveyors Ridge. This 30-foot tower overlooks the spectacular Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, Snow Peak and the surrounding mountains. Snow Peak, Middle Sister and Mallard Peak Lookouts are still standing and can be seen from Surveyors. The lookout is available for rental from Mid-July to the end of September. Reservations are available through the National Recreation Reservation System located at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Additional information can be found on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest website.