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.
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
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.
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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