Hells Canyon Guard Station

HELLS CANYON GUARD STATION in MT — photo 4

Hells Canyon Guard Station

About this campsite

Overview

Hells Canyon Guard Station is a quaint log cabin located in the Highland Mountains of Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is most often used as a base camp by hunters and hikers. The area is replete with wildlife and provides access to scenic mountain views, as well as plentiful opportunities for recreation.

It was originally built in 1906 and used as a line cabin for ranchers before being donated to the Forest Service in 1910. The Forest Service has used the cabin as a guard station and now offers it for public enjoyment.

The cabin can be accessed by vehicle; however, during winter months, alternative resources may be required to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Hunters frequently use the cabin as a base camp. Fishing is also available in nearby Hells Canyon Creek.

Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the Hells Canyon area. Off-road vehicles are allowed on designated trails. Off-road vehicles and motorcycles are also allowed in the area, but must be properly permitted and licensed to be on trails and roads.

During winter months, the area is popular for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Winter sports enthusiasts should carry and know how to use proper backcountry equipment, including a beacon, shovel and probe.

Facilities

The large, single-room structure has bunk beds to sleep up to 4 people. It has potable drinking water in the summer months, a propane cooktop, a wood stove for heat and cooking, and a table and chairs. Basic cooking and eating utensils, pots, and pans, as well as some cleaning equipment, should be available inside. An outhouse with a vault toilet is nearby.

Electricity is not available at this cabin. There is a propane lantern you can use but propane is not provided. The propane is provided for the cooktop that is located on the porch of the cabin. Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including blankets and pillows, towels, soap, matches, garbage bags, food, and propane fuel (for lanterns) in 16-ounce canisters. Guests are required to pack out all trash and clean the cabin prior to leaving. Cell phone service is rare or nonexistent in the area.

Please remember that Hells Canyon Guard Station is considered a recreational area and shooting is not permitted around the cabin.

Check-out time is 11 am, check-in time is 2 pm.

Natural Features

The cabin is in an idyllic setting, with pristine nature all around. It is situated along Hells Canyon Creek in a lush meadow of sagebrush and tall grasses.

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is famous for its wide array of big game animals. Elk and deer are the most sought after by hunters on the forest and in the Hells Canyon area. Upland game birds are also in the area.

Location

HELLS CANYON GUARD STATION•MT

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

SUN☀️

23° / 9°

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TODAY☁️

23° / 14°

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TUE☁️

22° / 9°

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WED☁️

23° / 6°

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THU☁️

22° / 5°

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Nearby Campsites

within 50km

17.8 km away

Toll Mountain Campground

Toll Mountain campground is located on the eastside of the Highland Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles east of Butte. The campground has 5 units that will accommodate trailers up to 22 feet and also has a group picnic area. The campground is close to a creek and offers a quiet forest setting for weekend getaways.

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Divide Bridge Campground

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FLEECER STATION

Overview Fleecer Cabin is popular for hunters, hikers and winter activities during the fall, winter and spring months. It is not far from Butte, giving locals a respite from everyday life; however, a variety of recreational opportunities await every guest. The cabin was built in 1924 and has been used as headquarters for Forest Service crews ever since. It is available between October 20th and April 15th each year. The cabin is used during the summer field season to house crews. The cabin can generally be accessed by vehicle; however, during the fall and winter, alternative resources may be required to reach the cabin, depending on weather conditions. Usually by January, alternative methods such as ski, snowshoe, ATV or snowmobile are needed to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Access to the cabin is through private property, guests are required to keep gate closed and locked at all times. Additionally, guests are not permitted to recreate on private property, which is East and South of the cabin. Guests are encouraged to be familiar with surrounding land ownership and avoid trespassing on private lands. Recreation Hunting in designated areas is a popular activity, as wildlife is abundant. Fishing is also a possibility in any of the nearby mountain creeks and streams. The Big Hole River is just minutes away and is best known for its trophy-class trout fishing. There is a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails that are easily accessed from the cabin into the surrounding forest. winter months provide opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (unmarked). Off-road vehicles and motorcycles are also allowed in the area, but must be properly permitted and licensed to be on trails and roads. Access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is located 1 mile from the cabin. Facilities Fleecer cabin is well-equipped, with electricity, forced-air heat, woodstove and hot and cold running water. Two bedrooms contain beds and mattresses to accommodate up to 5 people. The kitchen provides table and chairs, an electric cook stove and refrigerator. The bathroom has a flush toilet, sink and shower. A variety of supplies are provided within the cabin, including dishes, eating and cooking utensils, pots and pans, a broom, dust pan and other cleaning equipment and supplies. Ample cupboard space is available. Guests will need to bring their own bedding, pillows, towels, and soap. Garbage bags are needed to pack out trash, and guests are asked to clean the cabin prior to leaving. Cell phone service is good at the cabin. Please remember that Fleece Station is considered a recreational area and shooting is not permitted around the cabin and on the surrounding private property. Check out time is 11am, check in time is 2pm. Natural Features The cabin is located in the Fleecer Mountain Range approximately 15 miles south of Butte. A horse corral and grassy pasture are adjacent to the cabin. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, black bear, and a variety of birds and small mammals ( learn more about bear safety ). The Fleecers provide a year-round range for elk and deer and large populations winter on nearby Fleecer Mountain or on sagebrush slopes in the southeast portion of the landscape.