East Fork Cabin
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov at $50 per night. During winter months (October through April), the access road may only be plowed to within 600-800 feet of the cabin, requiring guests to walk or sled gear the remaining distance. Contact Darby-Sula Ranger District at +1 (406) 821-3913 one week before arrival to obtain key code and current road conditions.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Manag
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions.
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors.
Trapping prohibited within 150' of groomed cross country ski trails
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Bass Creek Recreation Area
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited within the Bass Creek Recreation of the Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest.
About
East Fork Cabin offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Montana history in the Bitterroot National Forest. Originally built before 1914 as a fire lookout guard station and restored in 1987, this rustic one-room cabin sits along the East Fork of the Bitterroot River at approximately 5,200 feet elevation. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people with two bunk beds and mattress pads, and is equipped with a propane range and oven, electric lights with one outlet, and a wood stove for heat. The site includes well-developed amenities for groups, including a large log pavilion with picnic tables, fireplace, and pedestal grills, plus designated areas for RV and tent camping (35-person site limit). A vault toilet, drinking water from a pump house, outdoor fire pit near the river, and stock corral are available. Firewood is provided but may require splitting. The East Fork of the Bitterroot River flows west from the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and offers excellent fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, with winter whitefish fishing when trout season closes. The surrounding area provides year-round recreation opportunities. Summer and fall activities include hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding in the nearby hills and wilderness areas. Winter transforms the region into a hub for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on over 50 miles of groomed trails. The area is home to abundant wildlife including mountain lions, elk, deer, moose, and bears. Nearby attractions include East Fork Trailhead, McCart Lookout, Lost Trail Ski Area, and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.
Directions
From Sula, travel northwest on Highway 93 for less than a mile. Turn northeast (right) onto East Fork Road/County Road 472 and continue about 16 miles to the cabin. During winter months (October through April), the road may only be plowed to within 600-800 feet of the cabin; guests may need to walk or sled gear the remaining distance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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) 821-3913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!