Spanish Creek Cabin

Summary

Spanish Creek Cabin is an authentic 1934 cabin located at the base of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness offering a great base camp for winter and summer recreation activities. Activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and hunting, while the nearby trails provide access to Little Hell Roaring Creek, the north end of the Madison Range and the South Fork of Spanish Creek. The cabin offers bunk beds, mattresses, a wood cook stove, an outhouse and a campfire ring. No electricity or water is provided and guests must bring their own necessities.

Overview

Spanish Creek Cabin was constructed in 1934 and retains much of its rustic character from that time. The cabin is available year-round and offers an excellent base camp for a variety of summer and winter recreation opportunities. It is adjacent to a popular trailhead and a campground. Guests may drive to the cabin during summer months. During the winter (December 2nd through May 15th) the access road is gated 3.5 miles from the cabin and guest should be prepared to hike, bike, ski or snowshoe to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

A nearby trailhead provides access to a network of trails that head south into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and west into non-wilderness areas.The trails can be used by hikers, equestrians, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Trails also lead to Little Hell Roaring Creek, the north end of the Madison Range and the South Fork of Spanish Creek. This area also offers opportunities for fishing and hunting.

Facilities

The two-story cabin has bunk beds and beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. A wood cook stove is provided. In a kitchen area cleaning equipment is available. A campfire ring is located in front of the cabin. An outhouse is equipped with a vault toilet. Electricity and water are not provided. Guests need to bring their own drinking water, bedding, food, lanterns or flashlights, extra toilet paper, dish soap, garbage bags and first aid supplies, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed before leaving.

Natural Features

The cabin sits at the base of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, in a large meadow, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Wildflowers add bursts of color around the cabin each summer. South Fork Spanish Creek flows nearby. The densely-forested peaks of the Madison Range surround the cabin. This area is home to grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer and bighorn sheep, as well as a variety of bird species.