Hells Canyon Guard Station
Open — Open year-round for reservations. Winter access varies with snow conditions; guests may need to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to reach the cabin. Contact the Butte/Jefferson Ranger District during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to obtain the key code. Water from the hand pump is not tested in winter months.
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.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
Hells Canyon Guard Station is a quaint log cabin with rich history dating back to 1906 when it was built as a line cabin for ranchers before being donated to the Forest Service in 1910. Located in the Highland Mountains of Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, approximately 30 miles southwest of Whitehall, the cabin sits in an idyllic setting along Hells Canyon Creek surrounded by sagebrush meadows and tall grasses. The single-room structure sleeps up to 4 people on bunk beds and includes a propane cooktop on the porch, wood stove for heat and cooking, table and chairs, and basic cooking utensils. A hand pump provides potable water during summer months (not tested in winter), and a vault toilet outhouse is nearby. There is no electricity. Guests must bring bedding, towels, soap, matches, garbage bags, food, and propane canisters for lanterns, and must pack out all trash. The area is renowned for big game hunting, particularly elk and deer, making it a popular base camp during hunting season. Year-round recreation includes hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing in Hells Canyon Creek, and OHV use on designated trails. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, though winter access varies with snow conditions and may require alternative transportation to reach the cabin.
Directions
From Whitehall, travel south on Highway 55 for about 20 miles. Turn right off the highway just before crossing the Jefferson River onto Forest Service Road 125 (Hells Canyon Road) and continue west about 14 miles on a dirt road. Winter access varies with snow conditions.
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 | $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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