Lost Horse Cabin
Open year-round. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. During winter, the last 1.7 miles to the cabin are not plowed and must be accessed by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or dog sled. Snowmobile access is permitted December 2 through May 15. Check-in is 2:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone 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
Lost Horse Cabin offers a rustic retreat in west-central Montana's Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, just four miles east of the Continental Divide. The cabin was acquired by the Forest Service in 2017 and provides a genuine backcountry experience with basic furnishings: two sets of bunk beds with mattresses, four cots, a wood stove for heat, a Monarch cookstove, lanterns, table and chairs, dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies. A propane cooking stove is also available. Guests must be prepared to bring their own water, sleeping bags, linens, toilet paper, matches, garbage bags, and small propane cylinders. An outhouse with vault toilet is located nearby. The cabin has no electricity. Firewood availability is not guaranteed, so visitors are encouraged to obtain it locally and burn it on-site to prevent pest spread. The surrounding area features mixed fir and pine forest with opportunities for hiking, hunting, photography, and exploration. An extensive road system to the south and east allows vehicle or OHV access to old mining relics. The area to the north and west is sparsely roaded, offering remote off-trail experiences. Wildlife includes black and grizzly bears, mule and white-tailed deer, elk, mountain lions, and upland birds. Guests should be aware of hantavirus risk when visiting remote cabins.
Directions
From Helena: Take I-15 north for 5 miles and take exit 200 for Lincoln Road/County Rd 453, turn left. Stay on Lincoln Road/County Rd 453 for 13 miles. As you pass through Canyon Creek, take a slight left onto Little Prickley Pear Road (gravel). In half a mile, turn right to stay on Little Prickley Pear Road and continue 7.5 miles. Turn left onto Lost Horse Creek Road (gravel) and continue 1.3 miles. Turn right at the Y onto Anderson Road and continue 1.4 miles through the unlocked grey gate to the green gate. The cabin entrance code unlocks the green gate. Close and lock the gate behind you and proceed 0.3 miles to the cabin. During winter, the road is plowed only to the Y; the remaining 1.7 miles require non-motorized or snowmobile access.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 449-5201 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Recreation.gov - Site Details |
Availability
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