Montana / Broadwater County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Eagle Guard Station

Closed — Open year-round for reservations. From December 2 through May 15, the last 4 miles are closed to motorized vehicles and must be accessed by foot, ski, snowshoe, or horseback.

About

Eagle Guard Station, originally built by miner Richard Owen in 1895 during the gold rush era, is the oldest administrative log structure on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. After serving as the Eagle Creek Ranger Station beginning in 1908, the cabin was restored by the Forest Service between 1991-1994 using primitive building skills and materials. Today it operates as a rental cabin offering a rustic retreat in the Elkhorn Mountains. The property includes the historic cabin, woodshed, vault toilet, barn, horse corrals, and fire ring, all surrounded by a jackleg pole fence. Inside, three bunk beds accommodate up to six guests. The cabin is heated with a wood stove and equipped with a propane camp stove for cooking, along with dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and cleaning supplies. Firewood, an axe, and shovel are provided. There is no electricity or potable water at the site. The location provides outstanding access to the Elkhorn Mountains with numerous trails leading to historic mining sites and natural attractions. Crow Creek Falls, the largest waterfall in Helena National Forest, is within hiking distance. The area offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with concentrations of elk commonly seen in winter, along with bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, and various bird species. Historic mining towns including Elkhorn, Hassel, Ruddville, and Diamond Hill are nearby for those interested in the area's gold rush history.

Directions

From Highway 287 north of Townsend, turn onto Indian Creek Road (just north of the Missouri River Bridge). Travel west approximately 3.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Eagle Guard Station onto Road #4031. Continue through the canyon 4.7 miles to a Y intersection and take the left. Stay on Road #4031 for approximately 5 miles, proceed straight across a cattle guard at 11 miles, take the right at 13 miles, then stay left at 14 miles and proceed 0.3 miles to the cabin. Higher clearance vehicles are required; 4WD/AWD recommended. From December 2 through May 15, the last 4 miles are closed to motorized vehicles.

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