Bull River Guard Station
Open year-round and currently accepting reservations. Full vehicle access depends on weather; the road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months. A mandatory food storage order is in effect throughout the Kootenai National Forest.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
About
Built in 1908 as the Bull River District Ranger's house and office, the Bull River Guard Station served as a primary ranger station until 1920 and is one of the few structures to survive the devastating 1910 fires. The two-story cabin spans 700 square feet and retains period furnishings including three full beds and two single beds, a sitting room, and a kitchen/dining area with hutch, table, and electric range. Electric forced-air heat keeps the cabin comfortable year-round. Located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the East Fork of the Bull River, the station sits minutes from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Nearby hiking options include the Pilick Ridge Trail and Berray Mountain Trail, both leading to historic lookouts with sweeping views. The Bull River offers fishing for westslope cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. A horse corral is available behind the cabin for equestrians using certified weed-free hay. Guests should note there is no potable water or indoor plumbing; an outhouse with vault toilet is provided. The cabin is not cleaned between guests, so renters must bring cleaning supplies. Road access may be limited during winter, with plowing typically maintained to within 1 mile of the cabin.
Directions
From US Highway 2 (north) or State Highway 200 (south), travel on State Highway 56 to the East Fork Bull River Road #407 at approximately the 8 mile marker. Take Road #407 for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Road #2701. The cabin is approximately 0.5 miles past the junction. Directional signs are present.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 827-3533 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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