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.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 20 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following areas, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over recent burn scars, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near recent burn scars from the summer 2026 and the Horse Gulch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
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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