West Fork Of Rock Creek Cabin (MT)

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 This two story log cabin has beds and table settings for up to 6 guests. The cabin has electrical lights, oven, refrigerator, baseboard heater, and outlets. It has a oak table and chairs in the dining room, a large couch and rocking chair in the living room, and various tables and chairs located through out. A wood stove is located downstairs.

We recommend bringing along a personal water filter for the water pump on site, or bring your own drinking water. Water from the stream must be filtered or treated prior to consumption.

The kitchen has a counter top, cupboards, sink, plates, bowls, cups, silverware for 6 people, pots, pans, cast iron, french press, kitchen utensils (spatula, large spoon, knives, cutting board, can opener, cheese grater), sponges/scour pads, Battery Powered LED Lantern (D batteries), mop, broom, washbasins, dish rack, splitting maul, hatchet, cleaning products, and rags. Paper towels, matches, toilet paper, garbage bags, newspaper, and hand sanitizer are stocked monthly. 

There is a picnic table and fire ring located outside.

The entrance is gated and locked with a combination code to provide guests privacy.

There is a very large parking area and circle driveway beside the cabin that will easily accommodate RV's and Travel Trailers. (There are NO hook-ups) A vault toilet is located a short distance north of the cabin. Firewood is almost always available but cannot be guaranteed. There is little to no 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 before leaving.

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.

Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 859-8230. Nearby Attractions Moose Lake Day use area, 20 minutes south

Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Trailheads, 20-30 minutes south on Moose Lake Road

Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine https://gemmountainmt.com/

The Town of Philipsburg http://www.visitphilipsburg.com/ , 20 minute drive

Skalkaho Pass and Skalkaho Falls, 30 minutes west on Skalkaho highway

Main fork of Rock Creek, Middle fork of Rock Creek, and North Fork of Rock Creek are all within 10 minutes

Charges & Cancellations Reservations are nonrefundable unless extenuating circumstances warrant otherwise. Determination will be made on a case by case basis.

From Philipsburg, travel south on Highway 1 for just over 6 miles. Turn right onto Skalkaho Highway/Highway 38 and travel west for about 13 miles. The entrance to the cabin is on the left, behind a locked gate, which uses the same key code as the cabin. The last 200 yards of the road may be closed due to snowfall during the winter months. Maps may be purchased by calling the Pintler Ranger District.