Montana / Gallatin County / Custer Gallatin National Forest

Little Bear Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Between January 1 and June 15, Little Bear Creek Road (FS 980) is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles at the 2.7 mile gate, requiring snowmobile or ski access up to 10 miles from Highway 191. Vehicle access available June 16 through December 31, weather and snow conditions permitting.

About

Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and retains much of its original character. Perched atop a grassy knoll on a small ridge near the north end of the Gallatin Range, the cabin offers views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range, surrounded by stands of mixed conifer. This rustic retreat sleeps up to four people with a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, all equipped with mattresses. A wood cook stove provides heat, though it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. The cabin includes a table with chairs, basic cleaning supplies, and a campfire ring outside. An outhouse with vault toilet is located outside the cabin. The surrounding area is rich with wildlife including grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and Canada lynx. Multi-use trails and roads crisscross the area, ideal for motorcycle and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking, and hiking in warmer months. Winter activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. The area is popular with hunters in the fall. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, fire starters, lighting, and all other necessities. The cabin must be cleaned and all trash removed prior to departure.

Directions

From Bozeman, drive west towards Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 for 14 miles to Little Bear Road (Forest Service Road 980) on the left. Summer/Fall (June 16-December 31): Drive 5.2 miles on Little Bear Road, turn right onto Wilson Creek Divide Road FS 3138 for 6 miles. The cabin gate is on the right. Winter (January 1-June 15): Park at the gate 3-5 miles from Highway 191 (depending on snow conditions). Snowmobile or ski up to 10 miles to reach the cabin. The cabin is approximately 300 feet from the Little Bear Cabin sign.

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