Lost Horse Cabin

Lost Horse Cabin

About this campsite

Overview

Lost Horse Cabin is located 35 miles west of Helena, Montana, on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The cabin was acquired by the Forest Service in 2017 and is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. The cabin is typically accessible by car; however, heavy amounts of snow in winter can close the last 2 miles of the road to vehicles. Access to the cabin once the snow sets in is via a 2-mile stretch of road passable by snowmobile, snowshoe, skis or dog sled. Guests must be prepared to pack in their own supplies.

Recreation

Hiking, hunting, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. There is an extensive road system not far from the cabin area (to the south and east) where many people use trucks or ride off-highway vehicles in the summer and fall to see the general area and old mining relics. As the crow flies, the cabin is just four miles east of the Continental Divide. The area to the west and north is sparsely roaded and offers an off-trail, remote experience.

Facilities

The cabin is furnished with 2 sets of bunk beds, with mattresses, and four cots that can accommodate up to 8 people. A wood stove is provided for heat and there is also a Monarch cookstove in the cabin. Other amenities include lanterns, a table and chairs, cleaning supplies, a propane cooking stove, dishes, utensils, and some cookware. An outhouse with vault toilet is nearby. An axe and snow shovel are provided. Firewood may be available, but it is not guaranteed. The cabin is not wired for electricity, and water is not available so guests should bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Fuel and mantels are not provided for the propane stove or lantern, so guests should bring a couple of small propane cylinders, as well as backup lighting. Items to bring include water, sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and food and clean the cabin before leaving. This is a remote location and no commerical stores or services are near the cabin.

Natural Features

The cabin sits along a small intermittent creek at an elevation of 5,200 feet in the Divide Mountains. The region boasts a coniferous forest with mixed fir and pine trees. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest offers many streams and fishing opportunities. Native wildlife includes black and grizzly bears, mule-deer and white-tailed deer, elk, and mountain lions. The area also hosts many upland bird species.

Nearby Attractions

This is a remote cabin and most attractions in this area are based around outdoor activities.

Location

Lost Horse Cabin•MT

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

FRI☁️

26° / 10°

💧 6%

SAT☁️

12° / 3°

💧 2%

SUN🌦️

15° / 4°

💧 11%

MON🌦️

16° / 5°

💧 11%

TUE☁️

17° / 3°

💧 6%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

11.6 km away

GRANITE BUTTE LOOKOUT

Overview The Granite Butte Lookout is located at 7,587 feet above sea level atop the Continental Divide of North America. The 15' by 15' lookout cabin sits atop a 20' tall wooden tower that was first built in 1932. The structure was rebuilt in 1962 and has been recently renovated. This tower was listed on the national register of historic lookouts in 2008 and offers guests a glimpse into the life of a Forest Service Lookout. Located near Lincoln, MT the lookout offers direct access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which stretches along the back bone of the continent from Canada to Mexico. It is accessible by vehicle, but be forewarned, the road is rough towards the end and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The lookout has the basic amenities including a bed, auxiliary cots, tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, and a woodstove are provided, but guests should prepare to bring their own bedding, water, and propane. Recreation The Continental Divide Trail passes right by the lookout tower and offers guests access to as many miles as they care to hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are several other trails for guests to explore within a 1/2 hour drive. The cabin also offers winter recreation opportunities with cross-country skiing opportunities out the back door and nearby access to over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Facilities The lookout is furnished with one twin bed with a mattress and three twin cots. The lookout can accommodate a maximum of four people. The lookout is equipped with a table, chairs, woodstove, propane cook stove, propane powered lanterns, silverware and dishes. An axe and splitting maul are available for splitting wood and firewood will usually be stacked at the base of the tower, but it is not guaranteed. The lookout does not have electricity or indoor plumbing. A vault toilet is on-site near the lookout. Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking and washing. Guests are advised to bring sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, propane, garbage bags and other personal effects. All garbage must be packed out and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. A broom and cleaning supplies are provided. Natural Features The lookout is located atop a grassy ridge directly on the Continental Divide. The area around the cabin offers spectacular views, abundant wildflowers, high elevation white bark pine stands, open meadows, and large rock outcroppings. There are lower elevation conifer stands and streams located nearby as well. Wildlife in the area abounds; including the more common elk, mule and white-tailed deer, squirrel, black bear, and a variety of birds. The more elusive grizzly bear, badger, wolverine, mountain lion, and lynx can be found here as well. Nearby Attractions The nearby town of Lincoln offers restaurants, bars, art galleries, a sculpture park, and many events that are put on in the community throughout the summer. Visitors can also access the scenic Blackfoot River and Copper Creek from town and the nearby area.

11.7 km away

Nevada Creek Cabin

Overview This historic one room log cabin is located on National Forest lands along the upper reaches of Nevada Creek, between Avon and Helmville, MT. Thick forests, steep slopes, and wide open ridges define the landscape and visitors can access the adjacent road-less area with trails leading directly from the cabin to multiple destinations, including the Continental Divide. Nevada Creek is a small fish bearing stream with open grassy stream banks and clear running water. Once on public land, the stream is accessible by road or trail for its entire length. In a thick lodgepole pine forest at 5,400 ft. elevation, visitors will be able to find wildlife, huckleberries, scenic views and evidence of a rich mining history right outside the cabin’s door. The cabin is located a short distance behind a gate and offers excellent opportunities for solitude and exploration. The area is fairly remote and lightly traveled so visitors should prepare accordingly. The cabin has 1 bunk bed, 1 full size bed, a wood stove, propane stove, and propane lights in addition to other standard amenities. Recreation Hiking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, berry picking, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. Hikers and horse riders can head out from the cabin and connect to the Continental Divide Trail on the Nevada Creek Trail #466 in about 5 miles of gentle terrain. At over 3,000 miles in length, the CDT stretches from Canada to Mexico and is one of the gems of the National Trail System. From the top of the Divide visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the valleys, prairies, and ranges beyond. Other trails in the area include the Prickly-Nevada Trail, Helmville-Gould Trail and Washington Gulch. All trails in the immediate area are non-motorized, please respect travel regulations in the area in order to provide for a non-motorized recreational experience. Facilities The Nevada Creek cabin is a single room log cabin with log framed beds, wood stove, propane stove, propane lights, vault toilet and a picnic area. There is a hand pump and well near the cabin for potable water. There is one bunkbed and 1 single bed located in the cabin with mattresses, but guests should plan to bring in bedding or a sleeping bag. A propane stove and lights are available for use. Propane is provided for guests at this facility, but please use the available gas responsibly. Remember to always turn the propane supply off to the cabin when not in use. A shut off valve is located on the interior eastern wall. Dishes, Pots, Pans, Cutlery, and basic kitchen utensils are supplied at the cabin. There are cleaning supplies at the cabin and guests are encouraged to use them in order to keep the facility clean for the next visitors. Natural Features The entire area to the North, East, and South is protected as an Inventoried Roadless Area and has thus far escaped large scale development by civilization. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a slice of a largely intact ecosystem in the northern Rocky Mountains. Nevada Creek is corralled on both sides of the drainage by steep slopes thickly covered in an aging lodgepole pine forest interspersed with grassy meadows along the spine of the Continental Divide. The creek offers grassy meadows and willow covered banks with small pools for bathing and cooling off in the hot summer months. The huckleberry and blueberry picking in the area can be excellent. Elk and Deer are common in the area as well and the cabin is ideally situated for a hunting trip. Nearby Attractions This is a remote cabin and most attractions in this area are based around outdoor activities. The Nevada Reservoir is nearby and offers a floating opportuinity for small boats.

22.2 km away

Elliston Store CDT Camp

Campground: Elliston Store CDT Camp.

24.3 km away

Flesher Pass Campground

Campground: Flesher Pass Campground.

24.4 km away

Quigley Group Use

Overview Quigley Group Use Site sits in forested mountain terrain on the top of MacDonald Pass about 15 miles west of Helena, Montana. Quigley is on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and is adjacent to the Continental Divide National Scenic (CDNST) trail. Located right on the Continental Divide at 6,300 feet elevation, there are spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and mountains. The site is available for rental from June 1 to October 15 each year and closed at all other times. Recreation Quigley Group Use offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities on and around the Continental Divide Trail system. Hunting, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. There is an extensive road system 10 miles to the west (Little Blackfoot) and five miles to the east (Rimini and Priest Pass) where many people use trucks or ride off-highway vehicles in the summer and fall to see the general area and old mining relics. The area to the south and north is sparsely roaded and offers a non-motorized, more remote experience. Facilities Quigley Group Use Site is an undeveloped camping area able to accommodate approximately 40 people. There is limited trailer parking and trailers should not exceed 20 feet in length. Space is available for 10-12 four-person tents. There are no camper hook ups and water is not available. There is one vault toilet on-site. Large groups staying for a longer period often choose to have portable toilet(s) delivered at the start of thier stay and pickup up before the end of their stay, at their own expense. Natural Features At an elevation of 6,300 feet, beneath a canopy of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees, this Group Site is an ideal setting for larger families or groups seeking relaxation and recreation. Nearby rugged ridges, meadows, forests and grasslands provide wildlife diverse ecosystems. Grizzly bear, deer, elk, gray wolf, moose, black bear, mountain lion, all call the area home. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 449-5201. Nearby Attractions The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) mile 616 is just a few hundred feet from the group use site, and the CDNST runs due north and south from there. The City of Helena is about 15 miles away via US Highway 12. Note, the area is near a fee campground and a trailhead, and both are well used by the general public all summer long. The area is not remote, and users can expect to encounter other people recreating.