Canyon Creek Cabin
Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Winter access (December through April) may require snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes for 6+ miles depending on snow conditions. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle required.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
Canyon Creek Cabin was built in 1930 as a Forest Service guard station and sits at approximately 7,300 feet elevation at the base of a dramatic cliff in the eastern Pioneer Mountain Range. The small wood cabin accommodates four guests on bunkbeds and features a fold-down table, folding chairs, and a wood stove for heating. Basic equipment including dishes, pans, saw, axe, and a propane stove are provided. There is no electricity or running water; guests must bring drinking water, bedding, food, matches, and propane fuel canisters. The cabin is surrounded by abundant wildlife and recreation opportunities. Mountain goats inhabit the nearby cliffs, moose frequent the willow bottoms, and deer and elk winter in the canyon. Canyon Creek offers fishing for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, and a trail climbs 5 miles to a group of glacial lakes in the Pioneers. The surrounding old mining district contains historic charcoal kilns and the remnants of Glendale, an old smelter town. Access requires a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle via Forest Road 187 and Forest Road 7401 from Melrose. Between December and April, the final 6 or more miles may require snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes depending on snow conditions. Guests should be aware of avalanche danger during winter and carry appropriate backcountry safety equipment.
Directions
From Melrose, travel west on Forest Road 187 for about 13 miles, then continue southwest for 6 miles on Forest Road 7401. Follow signs to the cabin, located about 0.5 miles from the turnoff. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle recommended. Winter access may require snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 832-3178 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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