Montana / Lewis and Clark County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest / Bob Marshall Wilderness

Kenck Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations except during general rifle season, typically October 15 through December 1. Winter access requires snowmobiling, skiing, or snowshoeing as Benchmark Road is not plowed and can be snowed in as early as October.

About

Kenck Cabin provides a unique opportunity to stay in a piece of Montana history. Built in 1924 by a traveling doctor who spent his career along the Rocky Mountain Front, this one-room cabin was donated to the Forest Service by the Kenck Family Trust in 2003 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cabin sleeps six on a double bed, a futon that converts to a double bed, and two cots. Perched at 5,200 feet elevation in a mixed conifer forest, the cabin sits near Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River, and Burned Creek. Two wood stoves provide heating and cooking capability, with firewood provided. Cooking utensils and dishes are available, but guests must bring their own bedding, food, and drinking water. An outhouse is located directly behind the cabin. The surrounding Bob Marshall Wilderness area offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, with views of Patrol Lookout visible from near the cabin. Access requires a half-mile hike from the South Fork Trailhead. Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and can be snowed in as early as October. Winter visitors can snowmobile to the trailhead but must hike, snowshoe, or ski the final half mile to the cabin. This is grizzly and black bear country, requiring proper food storage. The cabin is closed during general rifle season, typically mid-October through early December.

Directions

From Augusta, head west on Laura Street, which becomes Benchmark Road. Travel 13 miles to a Y intersection and turn left continuing on Benchmark Road. Drive 15 miles to the end of the road at South Fork Trailhead. Take the main trail that runs in front of the outhouse. From the main trail, take the first trail to the right, just after the Pack-In-Pack-Out sign. The cabin is about a half-mile down the trail. Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and may be snowed in as early as October.

Nearby Campgrounds