Eagle Guard Station
Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. From December 2 through May 15, the last 4 miles of the access road are closed to motorized vehicles; access during this period is by foot, horseback, or cross-country ski only. High-clearance 4WD/AWD vehicle required; not suitable for passenger cars.
Winter Storm Watch issued October 8 at 11:48PM MDT until October 11 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 5000 feet and between 6 and 12 inches possible above 5000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains, Helena Valley, and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...From Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult, especially over mountain passes. Back country conditions may be very dangerous. Wet snow and gusty winds may down trees limbs and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A snow band may develop across portions of Central Montana leading to locally higher snowfall rates and amounts.
Red Flag Warning issued October 8 at 11:13PM MDT until October 9 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* AFFECTED AREA...Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas and Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts of the Helena National Forest. * WINDS...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 13 percent. * TEMPERATURES...Up to 81. * IMPACTS... Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Containment of any ongoing or new fires may be very difficult. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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
About
Eagle Guard Station is the oldest administrative log structure on the Helena National Forest, originally built by miner Richard Owen in 1895 during the area's gold rush era. The cabin was taken over by the Forest Service in 1908 and has been carefully restored using primitive building techniques. It is now listed as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and available for overnight rental. The cabin accommodates up to six guests on three sets of bunk beds with mattresses. Amenities include a wood stove for heating, a propane camp stove and lantern, dishes, utensils, cookware, an axe, and cleaning supplies. A vault toilet, fire ring, barn, and horse corrals are on site. There is no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. Guests must bring drinking water, sleeping bags, flashlights, propane canisters, toilet paper, and food. All trash must be packed out. The cabin is situated on the southeast flanks of the Elkhorn Mountains in an open grassland setting known for concentrations of wintering elk. The area offers outstanding opportunities for photography, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Crow Creek Falls and historic mining sites like Elkhorn and Diamond Hill are accessible from the cabin. An interpretive trail begins just beyond the property.
Directions
From the intersection of Highway 287 and Indian Creek Road (north of the Missouri River Bridge, north of Townsend): Take Indian Creek Road west approximately 3.5 miles, then turn left at the sign for Eagle Guard Station onto Road 4031. Follow Road 4031 for approximately 5 miles, staying left at the Y intersection. At the T intersection, turn right toward Eagle Guard Station. After 0.7 miles, turn left and proceed 0.3 miles to the cabin on the left. High-clearance 4WD/AWD vehicle required; road has ruts and rocky sections.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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