Hogback Homestead

Overview The Hogback Homestead is a fully furnished log cabin that sits on approximately five acres along Hogback Creek in western Montana. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities as well as exceptional scenery. Recreation This area offers spring, summer and fall recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The area is popular for big game hunting in designated areas. Visitors enjoy fishing nearby in Rock Creek, a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Access to the Hogback Ridge trailhead and an extensive network of trails is located at the entrance to the homestead site. Facilities The two-story cabin has three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people. The kitchen, living room/dining room, and a single bedroom with a double bed are located on the first floor. Two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two bunk beds, are located on the second floor. The first floor is wheelchair accessible.

The cabin is heated with a wood stove and a propane cook stove. The lights are powered by a solar panel array with a battery bank. The rental is outfitted with period furniture including a large bench-style dining table, kitchen table, chairs, couches and dressers. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814.

Water is available intermittently at the hand pump located behind the homestead. Potable water cannot be guaranteed,recommended you bring an adiquate supply of your own drinking water. An accessible vault toilet is also provided outside, behind the cabin.

Guests should bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding, pillows, towels, food, matches, flashlights, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin prior to their departure.

The cabin is accessible by vehicle. In the late fall and early spring, depending on weather conditions, guests may need to hike or ski up to a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features The cabin is located near the scenic Hogback Creek, in the rugged Sapphire Mountains, at an elevation of 4,500 feet. It was built in 1917 as a permanent home. In the early 1990s the Missoula Ranger District, along with many dedicated volunteers, restored the Hogback Homestead to its original historic condition, providing renters an opportunity to experience the setting and lifestyle of the early 1900s.

The Sapphire Mountains contain large stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.

From Missoula, Montana, travel east on Interstate 90 for about 20 miles to exit 126. Drive south on Rock Creek Road for about 29 miles. Rock Creek Road is a hardened surface for 12 miles and the remainder is a gravel, single-lane road, with intermittent pull-outs. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers, due to blind turns, steep grades and narrow width. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.

During late fall and early spring, take the Drummond exit 153 on Interstate 90 and follow Scenic Highway 1 south toward Philipsburg. One mile north of Philipsburg, turn west on State Road 348. Travel 13 miles west, cross Rock Creek and turn north onto Rock Creek Road. Continue 12 miles to the homestead. The road is plowed within 3 miles of the cabin. A four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with chains is recommended. Travelers may also want to bring an alternate form of transportation (skis or snowshoes) to complete the route.