Challenge Cabin
Closed for the season. Challenge Cabin is available only during winter, December 1 through March 31. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Access requires an 8-mile ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile trek from the Highway 2 parking area.
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
Challenge Cabin offers a primitive winter retreat in Flathead National Forest, about 60 miles southeast of Hungry Horse in northwestern Montana. The cabin sits in a peaceful meadow surrounded by Douglas fir and pine trees near Challenge Creek, with the Hungry Horse Ranger District bordered on the east by the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. Access requires parking along Highway 2 and trekking 8 miles via cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling along a groomed trail. The cabin accommodates up to five guests and features a wood stove with firewood provided, propane cook stove and lights, a bunk bed, small loft, table and chairs, and basic cooking utensils. An outdoor vault toilet is available. There is no potable water, electricity, or sewer; guests must bring their own drinking water and bedding. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov with a maximum stay of three consecutive nights and seven total days per calendar year. The area is grizzly bear country, so food, beverages, coolers, and garbage must be stored inside the cabin. All trash must be packed out. The nearest grocery stores are in East Glacier and Hungry Horse, each about an hour-and-a-half drive plus the 8-mile trek from the cabin.
Directions
From Hungry Horse, travel east on Highway 2 for 51 miles, then turn south on Skyland Road 569. Park in the plowed area along Highway 2. The cabin is 8 miles from the parking area via hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling along the groomed trail. The cabin is not accessible by vehicle.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!