Hells Canyon Guard Station
Open year-round. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Check-in at 2 PM, check-out at 11 AM. Winter access varies with snow conditions and may require skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. Potable water available from hand pump in summer only; bring your own water in winter. 16-day stay limit.
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.
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.
About
Hells Canyon Guard Station is a historic log cabin nestled in a lush riparian meadow along Hells Canyon Creek in the Highland Mountains. Originally built in 1906 as a line cabin for ranchers, it was donated to the Forest Service in 1910 and later converted for public rental. The single-room cabin features a loft bedroom with bunk beds for four, a wood stove for heating, a propane cooktop on the porch, and basic cooking and eating utensils. Drinking water is available from a hand pump during summer months; guests must bring their own water in winter. A vault toilet outhouse serves the cabin. Horse facilities are available on-site for equestrian visitors. The cabin has no electricity; a propane lantern is provided but guests must supply 16-ounce propane canisters. Guests should also bring bedding, towels, matches, garbage bags, and food. The area offers year-round recreation including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing in Hells Canyon Creek, and big game hunting in fall. Winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. OHVs and motorcycles are permitted on designated trails. The cabin is vehicle-accessible in summer, but winter access may require skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling the final stretch depending on snow conditions.
Directions
From Whitehall, travel south on MT Highway 55 for approximately 20 miles. Turn right just before crossing the Jefferson River onto Forest Service Road 125 (Hells Canyon Road). Continue west for approximately 14 miles on a dirt road to the cabin.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 494-2147 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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