USA 250 Shirt →
Little Bear Cabin
Open

Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Vehicle access is available June 16 through December 31. From January 1 through June 15, the road is gated and access requires snowmobiling or skiing approximately 10 miles from Highway 191. A food storage order is in effect.

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

7:30 AM — August 11th, 9:00 AM

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

Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and retains much of its original character. Situated on a small ridge in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, the cabin offers panoramic views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range. The surrounding mixed conifer forest is home to grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. The cabin accommodates up to four guests with a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, all with mattresses provided. A wood cook stove serves as the primary heat source, though it may be insufficient during extreme cold. Basic furnishings include a table with chairs, broom, dustpan, and snow shovel. There is no electricity or running water. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located outside, and a campfire ring is available for outdoor fires. Guests must bring drinking water, bedding, fire-starting materials, flashlights or lanterns, toilet paper, dish soap, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. All trash must be packed out. A food storage order is in effect due to grizzly bear activity in the area. The surrounding trail network supports hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Directions

From Bozeman, drive west to Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 for 14 miles to Little Bear Road (Forest Service Road 980) on the left. In summer (June 16 - December 31), drive 5.2 miles on Little Bear Road, turn right onto Wilson Creek Divide Road (FS 3138) for 6 miles to the cabin gate on the right. In winter, park before the gate 3-5 miles from Highway 191 and travel the remaining distance by snowmobile or skis.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $65

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 522-2520

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Little Bear Cabin
Looking down from the loft at the stove and storage cabinet.
Wood burning stove for heat and cooking.
Some of the excellent views from the cabin looking out over the Gallatin Valley toward the Bridger Mountains
Nearby outhouse for cabin renters.
Little Bear Cabin from the North
Cabin has two beds downstairs and two more in the loft above

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