Destination Wild

Overview

The West Fork of Rock Creek Cabin is located on the western edge of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and is open for reservations year-round. It is a large cabin that provides a great experience in the mountains of southwestern Montana. The cabin offers access to numerous trails and wildlife viewing, as well as a comfortable place to picnic and spend the nights. The West Fork of Rock Creek is located just behind the cabin and is great spot to go fishing or take a quick dip to cool off in the warm summer months.

There are three cabins at the site, which was once used as a Forest Service Guard Station and later as a youth camp. Only the large cabin has been restored and is available to the public. The smaller cabins are damaged and are not currently available to rent.

The site can typically be accessed by vehicle, depending on conditions. Excessive snowfall may require renters to walk about 200 yards from the plowed highway to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring all of their own amenities.

This is a historic structure and is brought to you as a rental by the US Forest Service Historical Preservation Committee, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Pintler Ranger District. Please help us keep it nice for future generations and respect the historic nature of this cabin.

Recreation

A variety of hiking is available in the area, as well as ample wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter. The cabin is about 45 minutes from Discovery Ski area as well.

There is great hiking in open sage across the highway from the cabin, but there is no trail.

Fishing is popular in the many clear mountain streams adjacent to the cabin, and the blue ribbon trout stream Rock Creek is nearby. Anglers may see plentiful trout populations, as the area is known for some of the world's finest trout streams. It is illegal to target Bull Trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.

The cabin is located along the scenic Skalkaho Highway 38, which links Hamilton and Philipsburg, in southwestern Montana. The drive into the Sapphire Mountains is primitive and was once a trail widely used by Native Americans. The roadway was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley. The road leads to Skalkaho Falls in the nearby Bitterroot National Forest; the road is closed to wheeled vehicle traffic in the winter, and is accessible by snow machine.

Facilities

Natural Features

The log cabin is situated near the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness in an open meadow surrounded by evergreens. The area is known for its high, rugged, and beautiful mountain scenery. There is a resident herd of bighorn sheep near the cabin. The cabin is in prime wildlife habitat, and it is not uncommon to see elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, and bears(grizzly and black). Moose are frequently near the cabin and should not be approached (learn more about bear safety.
The cabin is in a large, fenced pasture and horses may be turned loose but you must check the fence for damage before using it. As a reminder, pelletized or certified weed seed free feed and straw is required in all National Forests in Montana; please plan accordingly.