Eagle Guard Station

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.