Bend Guard Station
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov, except for one week in May reserved for administrative use. Roads may not be plowed regularly in winter; high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive and tire chains required. Maximum stay is 5 nights per reservation.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Deer Creek Bridge Closure - Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event the Deer Creek Bridge on the Superior Ranger District was severely damaged and is unsafe for travel. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
25-021-Lolo-D4 Stony Creek Cutoff Closure
The Stony Creek Cutoff Road (Road #5490) is closed for protection of Forest Service stock.
241-023-Lolo-D3 Plant Creek Road Closure
Motor vehicles are prohibited on a portion of Plant Creek Road, National Forest System Road 2132, due to damage following the Miller Peak Fire on the Missoula Ranger District.
About
The Bend Guard Station sits within an open meadow surrounded by evergreen forest in the Lolo National Forest of northwestern Montana. Originally part of the Cabinet National Forest ranger station complex established in 1911, the current rental building is a combined bunkhouse and cookhouse constructed in 1923 to house Forest Service work crews. It was remodeled in 1984 to provide modern amenities while maintaining its historic character. The two-story cabin accommodates up to 16 guests with four bedrooms, two bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, and a large kitchen equipped with two electric stoves, microwave, two refrigerators, and complete cooking and eating utensils. Electric heaters provide warmth throughout the building. The site is accessible by vehicle but requires high-clearance and four-wheel drive is highly recommended, especially in winter when roads may not be regularly plowed and tire chains are necessary. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area, including hiking and mountain biking on nearby trails, fishing for trout and whitefish in the Thompson River just a short walk away, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The 2-million-acre forest is home to diverse wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, grizzly and black bears, bald and golden eagles, and various waterfowl. Thompson and McGregor Lakes are 30 minutes away. No cell phone service is available at the cabin.
Directions
Located approximately 32 miles up Thompson River Road (County Road 556) from its junction with Montana Highway 200, five miles east of Thompson Falls. Also accessible from U.S. Highway 2 by turning south on Thompson River Road between McGregor Lake and Lower Thompson Lake, approximately 40 miles west of Kalispell. Roads are low-standard gravel or dirt, often rough, and serve logging trucks. In winter, may require hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling the last mile if roads are not plowed.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $90 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| heather.berman@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 826-3821 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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