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

Indian Meadows Guard Station

Closed

Closed for the season. The cabin is only available for rental from December 1 through March 31 each year. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.

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Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

8:15 AM — August 10th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

About

Indian Meadows Guard Station is a remote two-story log cabin built in the 1990s, still used by Forest Service crews in summer and available for public rental during winter months. Situated at approximately 5,500 feet elevation within sight of Red Mountain (9,411 ft), the tallest peak in the greater Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, the cabin offers exceptional access to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. The cabin accommodates up to six guests with two sets of bunkbeds and two single beds in the upstairs loft. Pillows are provided but guests must bring their own bedding or sleeping bags. The kitchen is equipped with dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, and basic cooking tools. Propane powers the stove and lights; a wood shed is on the property. Water is available from a hand pump outside, though it may freeze in extreme cold, requiring guests to melt snow. An outhouse provides sanitation. Access requires traveling approximately 8 miles over snow from the Copper Creek Trailhead, typically by snowmobile, cross-country ski, or snowshoe. The majority of the route follows groomed snowmobile trails maintained by the local club. There is no cell service at the cabin, and temperatures regularly fall below 0°F. Visitors should be equipped for avalanche conditions and carry satellite communication devices for emergencies.

Directions

From Lincoln, Montana, travel approximately 5 miles east on Highway 200 to Copper Creek Road #330. The snowmobile trailhead is located approximately 2 miles north on Copper Creek Road on the west side. Park at the trailhead and travel 8 miles over snow to the cabin. Follow Snowmobile Trail #4 northeast on Copper Creek Road for approximately 6 miles to the junction with Indian Meadows Road #1882. Turn north (right) onto Road #1882 and proceed about 1.5 miles to the Indian Meadows Trailhead entrance. Follow signs for the Guard Station on the right fork, pass the outfitter corrals, through the open gate, and travel approximately 0.5 miles on the access road to the cabin.