Bar Gulch Cabin

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.