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

Judith Guard Station

Closed — Open year-round for reservations. Road access typically requires 4WD during winter, with the last half-mile possibly requiring snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes in heavy snow. Water available May through September only; bring water in winter.

About

Judith Guard Station is a historic ranger station dating to the early 1900s and designated as a National Historic Site. The two-story frame building features historically accurate furnishings and wallpaper, providing a unique glimpse into early Forest Service operations. The cabin sits along the northern banks of the Middle Fork of the Judith River at 5,000 feet elevation in the Little Belt Mountains. The cabin accommodates up to 8 guests with beds, propane cook stove and heating, a kitchen with table, chairs and cooking utensils, and a porch with chairs. A modern vault toilet is located outside. Portable propane lanterns are provided, but guests must bring their own propane cylinders. A hand well with drinking water is available May through September; guests must bring all water during winter months. The facility has no electricity, and guests should pack in all supplies including garbage bags, toilet paper, flashlights, bedding, ice chest, and toiletries. The surrounding region features wooded hills with ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir. Wildlife includes deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions. Mandatory bear food storage requirements apply. Recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, hunting for deer and elk, fishing, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Judith River State Wildlife Management Area lies nearby. A small campground and picnic area are located adjacent to the guard station. Groceries and gas are available in Stanford, 30 miles north.

Directions

From Great Falls, travel east on U.S. Highway 87 for 63 miles to Windham. Turn right off Highway 200/87 and head south for 10 miles to Utica. Turn right at Utica and continue south for 13 miles on the county road. At the Y junction, turn right onto Middlefork Road 822 and continue southwest for 1 mile. At the second Y junction, stay left and continue 1 mile to Judith Guard Station.

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