Bull River Guard Station
Closed — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter; full vehicle access depends on weather conditions. Five consecutive night stay limit with a 7-day break required before rebooking.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
The Bull River Guard Station, built in 1908, served as both the ranger's house and office during its tenure as a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920. This historic structure survived the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area and was home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife, and three daughters. The cabin spans 700 square feet across two stories and is furnished with period furniture, including three full beds and two single beds with mattresses, accommodating up to 8 guests. The space includes a sitting room with chairs and a kitchen/dining room with hutch, table, chairs, and an electric range. Heating is provided by a forced air electric furnace. Located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the East Fork of the Bull River within Kootenai National Forest, the guard station sits minutes from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area. The area is home to diverse wildlife including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pika, golden eagles, beavers, and western tanagers. Fall foliage displays stunning colors with mountain maple, mountain ash, alder, and larch. Nearby recreation includes fishing the 24.7-mile Bull River for westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and large scale suckers, as well as hiking the Pilick Ridge Trail and Berray Mountain Trail, both leading to lookouts with impressive Cabinet Mountains views. The historic Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930s, is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
Directions
From US Highway 2 (to the north) or State Highway 200 (to the 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 of #407 and #2701. Directional signs are present.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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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