Overview

Natural Features:

The cabin is located on the Middle Fork of Rock Creek near the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. It sits at the edge of an open meadow, surrounded by evergreens and towering peaks.

The area is known for its high, rugged and beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions and bears (learn more about bear safety).

Recreation:

Big game hunting is the primary draw for visitors to the cabin and surrounding wilderness. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish, and must only hunt in designated areas. Fishing for brook and cutthroat trout is excellent in the area, which is widely known for its trout-filled mountain streams.

Across nearby Moose Lake, hiking and horseback riding trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Other trailheads are also available in the area. Visitors also enjoy snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the area during the winter. Various weather conditions can increase avalanche danger in the area; visitors are encouraged to carry proper backcountry equipment, including a beacon, shovel and probe while recreating.

The cabin includes two horse corrals for equestrians who want to explore the wilderness on horseback. Horses are not allowed in the wilderness area until after July 1st each year.

Facilities:

The primitive, one-room cabin is equipped with two sets of bunk beds with mattress pads that can sleep up to four people. It has a table and chairs, basic cooking utensils and a few cooking pots. Some cleaning supplies and equipment are also provided.

A propane stove is available, but fuel is not supplied. There is a wood stove for heat and firewood is available, but not always guaranteed. An outhouse with a vault toilet is nearby. A hand pump for drinking water, picnic table and fire pit are also outside.

Guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows, as well as small propane canisters, matches, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is limited cell phone service available in the area. Guests are asked to replenish the supply of split wood and kindling, pack out all trash and food, and clean the cabin prior to leaving.

Nearby Attractions:

The Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) leads into the Sapphire Mountains along a primitive and once widely used Native American trail. The scenic drive, which is closed during winter, was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley. About 30 miles from the cabin, the road leads to Skalkaho Falls in the neighboring Bitterroot National Forest.