Campground Details - WEST FORK CABIN (S OF ENNIS), MT - ReserveAmerica

Overview

West Fork Cabin is a small, cozy cabin in the mountains of southwestern Montana. It sits high in the Gravelly Range and has a scenic view of an ancient volcanic cone. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous trails for hikers, equestrians and off-road vehicle riders during warmer months and snowmobilers in the winter.

The cabin is available from July 2 through March 31. It can typically be accessed by vehicle; however, a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Depending on the weather, snowmobiles may be necessary to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin is located on the southern end of the Gravelly Range at an elevation of 8,460 feet. Black Butte, the highest peak on the range and an old volcanic cone, can be seen from the cabin. Black Butte Cabin, which is often rented together with the West Fork Cabin, is about 11 miles to the north.

The area is home to some of the highest-elevation pronghorn antelope, as well as other wildlife, such as elk, moose and bears (learn about bear safety).

Recreation:

The cabin is used primarily for hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors are encouraged to practice safe snowmobiling techniques (learn more about avalanche danger).

Miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, which wind through the mountains and to the 10,542-foot Black Butte, can be accessed near the cabin. A trailhead just north of the West Fork Rest Area leads to the extensive network of trails in the backcountry. Off-road vehicles must stay on designated trails at all times in the area.

Facilities:

The primitive, one-room cabin is small and has a set of bunk beds and one twin bed to sleep up to three people. It has a table and chairs, a propane stove and lantern, and a wood stove for heat. Firewood is stacked against the outside fence or within a box on the porch. The cabin is also stocked with basic cookware, dishes, utensils and cleaning equipment.

An outhouse with a vault toilet is located about 30 yards south of the cabin at the tree line. It is not visible from the cabin and must be accessed through the gate in the back corner of the fence.

Guests may use the administrative horse pasture, but the condition of the fence cannot be guaranteed. The fence is often down, requiring equestrian campers to bring their own fencing supplies. Animals are not allowed within the small, rail-fenced area immediately surrounding the cabin.

The cabin does not have drinking water or electricity. Fuel is not provided for the stove or lantern. Guests need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Water taken from the nearby spring box must be filtered or boiled prior to use. Cell phone service is minimal to nonexistent in the area.

Items to bring include bedding, pillows, propane fuel canisters, food, flashlights, toilet paper, matches and garbage bags. All garbage and food must be packed out, and guests must clean the cabin and replenish the wood supply prior to leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Axe Bed(s) With Mattress Birding Broom & Dust Pan Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses Cabin Rentals Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Equestrian Sites Fenced Pastures Firewood Hiking Horseback Riding Trails	Hunting Mountain Biking Off-Road Vehicle Trails Picnic Area Propane Lantern (Fuel not provided) Propane Stove Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Trailheads Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

Water and electricity are not available at the cabin
This facility is located in a remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)
The cabin remains locked; to obtain a key code, call the Madison Ranger District office during office hours
A mandatory food storage order is in effect annually between March 1 and December 1 to ensure all food is properly stored and unavailable to wildlife; please contact the Madison Ranger District for more details
Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed-free
All garbage and food must be packed out
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
Rodent poison may be in use; please take appropriate precautions with children and pets to avoid ingestion
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
44.80389, -111.88917
44°48'14"N, 111°53'21"W

From Ennis, travel south on Highway 287 for about 30 miles, then head northwest on Standard Creek Road for about 20 miles and 10 miles south on Forest Road 290. The majority of the road to the cabin is gravel and has some long, steep grades, which may require four-wheel drive. The road can be treacherous and impassable if the conditions are wet or snowy. Snowmobiles or skis may be required for the final portion, up to 30 miles, in the winter. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.