Montana › Gallatin County › Custer Gallatin National Forest

Cabin Creek Cabin

Closed

Currently closed for spring due to weather and trail conditions. The cabin opens in June and operates through March. Reservations available on Recreation.gov.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 11th, 8:15 AM — 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone 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

About

Cabin Creek Cabin is a rustic, single-room structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, nestled at approximately 8,700 feet elevation among mixed conifers in the Madison Range. Middle Fork Cabin Creek flows nearby, and the surrounding meadows give way to dramatic peaks. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area are nearby, with wildlife including grizzly bears, elk, gray wolves, bighorn sheep, deer, and moose. This is a true backcountry cabin requiring a 6-7 mile hike one way via Trail #205 from Red Canyon Trailhead or Trail #151 from Tepee Creek Trailhead. Summer access is by foot, horseback, or motorcycle (July 16-Oct 14 only). ATVs/UTVs can reach within 1 mile but cannot access the cabin directly. Winter access is via snowmobile from the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail, approximately 12 miles over snow. The cabin accommodates up to 4 people and includes one bunk platform, three cots, a wood stove for heating, basic cookware, dishes, table with chairs, and an outhouse with vault toilet. Guests must bring their own bedding, drinking water, firewood, lanterns, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. Yellowstone National Park is approximately 20 miles away.

Directions

Summer access: From West Yellowstone, take US Highway 287 to Forest Road 681 (Red Canyon Road) to Red Canyon Trailhead. Hike Trail #205 approximately 5 miles to the junction with Cabin Creek Trail, then 1 additional mile to the cabin. ATV/UTV access (50" or less, July 16-Dec 1): Take US Highway 191 to Forest Road 986 (Tepee Creek Road) to Tepee Creek Trailhead. Follow Trail #151 approximately 3.5 miles to the junction, then hike the final mile. Winter access: From US Highway 191, park at Fir Ridge Cemetery pullout and follow Big Sky Snowmobile Trail approximately 11 miles to the cabin.