Indian Meadows Guard Station

Open — Open for cabin rental December 1st to March 31st. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.

About

Indian Meadows Guard Station is a remote winter cabin rental situated at approximately 5,500 feet elevation in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, offering exceptional opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation. Built in the 1990s, this two-story log cabin serves as Forest Service crew quarters in summer but is available for public rental from December 1st to March 31st each year. The cabin provides comfortable accommodations with two sets of bunk beds and two single beds in the upstairs loft, propane stove and lights, a hand pump for water, and a full complement of dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen tools. Visitors should bring their own bedding or sleeping bags, though pillows are provided. The location is exceptionally remote with no cell service or power, requiring visitors to travel approximately 8 miles over snow from the Copper Creek trailhead via snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. The cabin sits within sight of Red Mountain (9,411 feet), the tallest peak in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, with the Continental Divide visible to the east. Miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by the local snowmobile club provide access to the renowned Copper Bowls and connect south to Lincoln. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore the Scapegoat Wilderness to the north with endless acres of backcountry terrain. Heart Lake, located 5 miles from the cabin, offers ice fishing for westslope cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling. Wildlife tracking opportunities exist for Canadian lynx, wolverines, wolves, and other species. Visitors should be prepared for harsh winter conditions with temperatures regularly falling below zero and should have avalanche safety training and equipment due to steep terrain and heavy snowfall.

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 #330 on the west (left) side of the road with ample parking for trailers and vehicles. From the trailhead, travel 8 miles over snow via Snowmobile Trail #4 (Copper Creek Road #330) 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 gate signed Indian Meadow Guard Station, and travel approximately 0.5 miles on the access road to the cabin.