Bar Gulch Cabin
The cabin is open and available for reservations via Recreation.gov. Access is generally good but a 4-wheel drive vehicle may be required in winter as snow removal is not provided. Firewood is not guaranteed June 1 through August 31.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
About
Bar Gulch Cabin sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by mixed-conifer forest in Montana's Big Belt Mountains, about 5 miles north of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Originally constructed in the 1930s for mining purposes, the cabin was later used recreationally under special use permits before being donated to the Forest Service in 1988. Today it serves as a rustic getaway accommodating up to six guests. The one-room cabin features a skylight, two bunk beds with mattresses, a full-sized bed, wood stove for heat, an antique cook stove, and propane lanterns. There is no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. An accessible vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring are located outside. Guests must bring drinking water, propane cylinders for the lanterns and stove, sleeping bags, and other essentials. Recreation opportunities abound nearby. Belt Divide Trail and Bar Gulch Trail offer hiking right from the cabin. Canyon Ferry Lake, just five miles away, provides boating, fishing for rainbow trout, perch, ling and walleye, and excellent bald eagle viewing. The surrounding area supports elk, bighorn sheep, deer, black bear, moose, and a variety of birds.
Directions
From Helena, take Canyon Ferry Road over the dam, past Kim's Marina. Continuing east, watch for a left-hand turn onto Magpie Road (#425). From this intersection, proceed up Magpie Road 3.9 miles. Turn left on Bar Gulch Road. Continue approximately 0.25 miles to the cabin on the left. The cabin is 24 miles from Helena and 30 miles from Townsend.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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