Montana / Lewis and Clark County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Indian Flats Cabin

Closed — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Winter access requires skiing or snowmobiling 8 miles to the cabin. Most years the site cannot be accessed by vehicle before June 1 due to high elevation and snow conditions.

About

Indian Flats Cabin offers a remote lodging experience in the Big Belt Mountains of west-central Montana, 40 miles northeast of Helena. Originally built in 1944 as the Conway Station on Rock Creek, the cabin served Forest Service rangers before being relocated to its current location below Indian Flats in 1969. Renovated in the early 1990s for the rental program, it now provides rustic accommodations for up to 4 guests. The single-room cabin features 2 sets of bunk beds with mattresses, a wood stove for heat, and a propane cooking stove. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane lantern, dishes, utensils, and cookware. An outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby. The cabin has no electricity or running water, so guests must pack in sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and washing, along with propane cylinders for the lantern and stove. Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed, particularly from June 1 through August 31. Access varies dramatically by season. During summer and fall months, passenger cars can typically drive directly to the cabin via Forest Service Road 138. However, the site sits at high elevation and most years cannot be accessed by vehicle before June 1. Winter access requires skiing or snowmobiling approximately 8 miles to reach the cabin. The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby attractions including Refrigerator Canyon and Hogback Mountain Lookout. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and Missouri River are a short drive away during accessible months.

Directions

Located 40 miles northeast of Helena. Take Highway 280 east from Helena. Several miles after crossing the Missouri River, reach the small community of York. Turn left at the York Bar and proceed 5 miles to Nelson, then turn right. Stay on the main road up Beaver Creek, through switchbacks up Burnt Gulch, past Pikes Gulch Campground to the junction of Hogback Lookout and Indian Flats Roads. Take the left fork (Forest Service Road 138) for about 0.5 miles; the cabin will be on the right.

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