East Fork Cabin
Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov at $50/night. During winter months (October through April), the road is plowed to approximately three-quarters of a mile from the cabin; guests should plan for a short walk and consider bringing a sled for gear. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is noon. Contact Darby-Sula Ranger Station one week in advance to obtain the key code.
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.
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 Management Plan (November 2003).
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.
About
East Fork Cabin offers a unique backcountry lodging experience in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest. Originally constructed as a fire watcher's guard station before 1914, the cabin was restored in 1987 and sits at approximately 5,200 feet elevation on the banks of the East Fork of Bitterroot River. The one-room cabin features two bunk beds with mattress pads, a table with chairs, a propane range with oven, propane lights, one electrical outlet, and a wood stove for heating with firewood provided. The site includes a large log pavilion equipped with picnic tables, a fireplace, and pedestal charcoal BBQ grills, making it suitable for group gatherings of up to 35 people when combined with the designated RV and tent camping areas. An accessible vault toilet is located adjacent to the cabin, and potable drinking water is available at a nearby pump house. A corral is available for those traveling with stock, though only certified weed-free hay is permitted. The surrounding area provides excellent four-season recreation. The East Fork of Bitterroot River offers fishing for brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, while winter brings whitefish opportunities. Hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails access the nearby Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, and winter visitors enjoy over 50 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, moose, mountain lions, and bears.
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 approximately 16 miles to the cabin.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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
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