Ford Cabin
Open — Currently open for reservations through March 15. Operating season is May 25 through March 15 annually. Hand-pump water available April through November only; bring your own water in winter. North Fork Road is gravel and only intermittently plowed in winter, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Maximum stay is three consecutive nights with seven total days per calendar year.
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.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Ford Cabin provides a cozy, rustic getaway perched on a grassy field beside pine trees near the confluence of the North Fork of the Flathead River and Tepee Creek. Built in 1922 by Ralph Thayer as part of the Ford Ranger Station, this historic log cabin sits in the Glacier View Ranger District, bordered by the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park to the east, Canada to the north, and Kootenai National Forest to the west. The cabin sleeps up to six people with two bunk beds and one double bed. It is equipped with propane heat, lights, and a stove, plus limited cooking and eating utensils. A hand-pump water system provides water from April through November; winter visitors must bring their own water. A vault toilet is located nearby, and the facility operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis. The cabin features a small covered front porch and remains locked with combination access provided upon reservation. The North Fork of the Flathead River is renowned for excellent rainbow and cutthroat trout fly fishing. Visitors can explore various hiking and mountain biking trails, or float the river from the Canadian border to Polebridge on Class I to II rapids. Wildlife including elk, moose, and bears are common in the area. Access is via 45 miles of gravel North Fork Road, which is rough in spots and only intermittently plowed in winter, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Limited supplies are available at Polebridge Mercantile, approximately 30 minutes away.
Directions
From Columbia Falls, travel north on Nucleus Avenue until the road ends at the intersection of Railroad Street. Turn right (east) on Railroad Street. Continue on Railroad Street; it becomes the North Fork Road. Continue north on the North Fork Road for 45 miles. Turn right on Road 308 just north of the Tepee Creek crossing. Follow Road 308 back across Tepee Creek to Ford Cabin. North Fork Road is gravel and rough in spots and only intermittently plowed during winter months, requiring four-wheel drive or chains for travel.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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