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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Silver Bow, Madison, Missoula, Ravalli counties in effect until 9AM on 08/13/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 8AM on 08/12/2026, particulate levels in Dillon are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/12/2026, particulate levels in Frenchtown and Missoula are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/12/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Great Falls, Hamilton, Havre, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Sleeping Giant, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
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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