Indian Flats Cabin

About

Indian Flats Cabin offers a remote lodging experience in the shadow of Hogback Mountain within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Originally built in 1944 as the Conway Station on Rock Creek, the cabin served as a way-station for rangers before being relocated to its current site below Indian Flats in 1969. The structure was remodeled in 1992-1993 for the Forest Service rental program. The cabin features two sets of bunk beds with mattresses accommodating up to 4 people, a woodstove for heat, and a propane cook stove for cooking. Basic amenities include a table with four chairs, cabinets, dishes, cookware, gas lanterns, and cleaning supplies. A vault toilet is located outside. No potable water or electricity is available, so guests must bring their own drinking water, sleeping bags, propane cylinders, and flashlights. Nearby recreation includes hiking through Refrigerator Canyon, a narrow limestone gorge with temperatures 20 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. The active Hogback Mountain fire lookout at 7,813 feet elevation offers panoramic views and is accessible by vehicle from mid-June through September. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and Missouri River are a short drive away.

Directions

From Helena, take Highway 280 east. Several miles after crossing the Missouri River, reach the 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 for about 0.5 miles; the cabin is on the right.