Ben Rover Cabin

About

Ben Rover Cabin is a historic Forest Service rental situated 35 miles north of Columbia Falls along the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River. The cabin sits at the edge of Glacier National Park's remote western boundary, with views of the Livingston Range peaks rising across the river. Polebridge Mercantile, offering limited supplies, is just half a mile up the road. The cabin sleeps eight on two double beds, a bunk bed, and two twin beds. Amenities are rustic but comfortable: propane cook stove with basic pots and utensils, propane lights and heater, plus a wood stove for supplemental heat. A hand-pump well provides potable water from April through November; a vault toilet is located outside. Firewood is provided October through May for heating only. The area offers year-round recreation. Summer visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the river, with mostly Class I-II rapids on the float from Polebridge to Glacier Rim. Winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on designated routes. The gravel North Fork Road is intermittently plowed in winter; 4WD vehicles with chains are strongly recommended. Grizzly bears are common, so all food and garbage must be stored inside the cabin.

Directions

From Columbia Falls, travel north on Nucleus Avenue. Turn east at the stop sign on Railroad Street, which becomes North Fork Road as it crosses the railroad overpass. Continue 35 miles on the gravel North Fork Road, then turn east following signs to Polebridge. Turn left (north) at Polebridge; the cabin is half a mile on the right.