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View of the front of Lost Horse cabin, Helena Ranger District.
Open

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.

Flash Flood Warning issued July 22 at 9:25PM MDT until July 22 at 10:45PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

9:25 PM — 10:45 PM

At 925 PM MDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the Horse Gulch Burn Scar. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms in and around the Horse Gulch Burn Scar. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...Flooding of areas in and around the Horse Gulch Burn Scar. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mainly rural areas of Northwestern Broadwater and Southeastern Lewis and Clark Counties.

Flood Advisory issued July 22 at 8:15PM MDT until July 22 at 11:15PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

8:15 PM — 11:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Central Lewis and Clark County in west central Montana... * WHEN...Until 1115 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 815 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain with rainfall rates in excess of 1 inch per hour due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mainly rural areas of Central Lewis and Clark County. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

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

Availability

Photos

View of the front of Lost Horse cabin, Helena Ranger District.
View of the interior of Lost Horse cabin
View of the green gate leading to Lost Horse cabin. The combination is the same as the cabin. Lock the gate behind you when entering. Cabin is 0.3 miles ahead.
Map of general vicinity to show nearby private lands (white) within the boundary of the Helena Ranger District (green) near the Lost Horse cabin (blue x). Respect private property and it is your responsibility to know whether you are on public or private lands.
View of the front of Lost Horse cabin, Helena Ranger District.
View of the interior of Lost Horse cabin.

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