Open for reservations December 1 through September 30. Closed October 15 through December 1 during general rifle season. Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and may be snowed in as early as October, requiring ski, snowshoe, or hike access from the trailhead.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. 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
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 466-5341 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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