Kenck Cabin

About

Kenck Cabin was built in 1924 by Dr. Kenck, a traveling dentist and doctor who spent his entire career serving communities along the Rocky Mountain Front. After remaining in the Kenck family for decades as a permitted recreation residence, the cabin was donated to the Forest Service in 2003 and subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Perched at 5,200 feet elevation near Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River, and Burned Creek, the cabin offers a remote backcountry experience in mixed conifer forest at the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The one-room cabin sleeps six with a double bed, a futon that converts to a double bed, and two cots. Two wood stoves handle heating and cooking, and firewood is provided. Cooking utensils and dishes are included, but guests must bring bedding, flashlights, food, small propane cylinders for lanterns, and drinking water. Access requires driving 28 miles on Benchmark Road from Augusta (the final 15 miles are rough gravel), then hiking half a mile from South Fork Trailhead. The road is not plowed in winter and can be snowed in as early as October. Winter visitors must ski, snowshoe, or hike from the trailhead, as snowmobiles are prohibited beyond that point.

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 in front of the outhouse, then take the first trail to the right after the Pack-In-Pack-Out sign. The cabin is about half a mile down this trail.