Wapiti Cabin

Overview Wapiti Cabin is a primitive, rustic, log structure open year-round for recreational enjoyment. It provides access to several trails for summer hiking and biking, and winter skiing and snowmobiling.

The cabin can be accessed by vehicle from July 1 through December 1 (weather and snow permitting), but winter access requires a trek of up to six miles on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile. Taylor Fork Road (FS 134) is open year round, but may have limited access due to snow. Wapiti Creek Road (FS 2522) does not fully open to vehicles until July 1.

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities. During the spring and fall, guests are encouraged to call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961 for road conditions and access to the cabin. 

Recreation The junction of Taylor Fork Road and Wapiti Creek offers several trailheads leading into the Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area. Mountain bikers will find several route options in the Wapiti Loops in Taylor Fork, including a 14-mile route that begins at the cabin.

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail is within 2 miles of the cabin, and it offers some of Montana's best backcountry snowmobiling. The area around Wapiti Creek also offers good terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The cabin is open to stock, and there is a corral available for horses. A hitching rail surrounds the cabin for stock use.

Please keep in mind that fall hunting season brings big game hunters to this area.

Facilities This is a primitive cabin. It can sleep up to four people, with a maximum group size of six people for overnight use. There is a seven night maximum stay per group. A wood stove is available for heat, and an old-fashioned wood cook stove is also available. Basic ammeneties such as an axe, shovel, bucket and table with chairs are also provided. Four cots are available.

An outhouse is located outside and adjacent to the cabin. Firewood is supplied for indoor use only . Renters must gather their own wood for outdoor campfires. A corral is available for stock. A stock pot is provided for boiling water. It is strongly recommended that campers bring their own back country cookware and dishes for use.

No electricity or water is available. Guests must bring their own drinking water, flashlights and lanterns, bedding, matches, extra toilet paper, garbage bags, dish soap, and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to departure.

Natural Features Wapiti Cabin is situated inbetween the Madison Mountain Range and the Gallatin Mountain Range at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Beyond the meadow, guests at the cabin can see dense stands of evergreens and rugged mountain ridges. Wapiti Creek flows nearby.

The area around Wapiti Cabin is grizzly bear habitat, but it's also home to deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife. 

Nearby Attractions Wapitit Cabin is within the vacinity of West Yellowstone, MT, home of the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. 

It is also close to Hebgen and Earthquake lakes as well as the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center.

During the spring and fall, guests are encouraged to call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961 for road conditions and access to the cabin. 

Summer access (May 16 to December 1): For summer access from West Yellowstone, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 2522 and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The cabin is located on the right side of the road.

Winter access (December 2 to May 15): Snowmobiling: From West Yellowstone, Montana, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33 miles to the Sage Creek Trailhead parking area off of Highway 191. Follow the newly relocated Big Sky/Carrot Basin Trail for eight miles. Please note that the cabin is located on the edge of a winter wildlife closure area. Off trail snowmobiling around the cabin is permitted only to the south of the access road (on the left side, if traveling to and beyond the cabin).

Trail grooming occurs December 1 - March 31 depending on snow conditions. View grooming report at destinationyellowstone.com/snowmobile. Trail maybe impassable due to weather.

Skiing/Snowshoeing: From West Yellowstone, Montana, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed for approximately 4 miles to the small, privately plowed parking area at the Albino Lake Trailhead. […]