Lost Horse Guard Station
Closed — Open year-round for reservation via Recreation.gov. From January through March, the cabin must be accessed by snowmobile or other over-snow vehicles via a 14-mile route that may not be recently groomed. Contact Darby Ranger District for key code one week before arrival.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Salmon Wild and Scenic River: Occupancy and Use
This order enacts visitor use restrictions for activities within the 80-mile-long wild segment of the Salmon Wild & Scenic River corridor, including a one-quarter mile buffer from the river, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Manag
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions.
Annual Mill Creek Area Climbing Closure
The Stevensville Ranger District is reminding everyone of the annual climbing closure in the Mill Creek area to allow for nesting of cliff-dwelling raptors.
Trapping prohibited within 150' of groomed cross country ski trails
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Darby Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest.
Bass Creek Recreation Area
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited within the Bass Creek Recreation of the Stevensville Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest.
From Recreation.gov
**From January - March the cabin must be accessed by snowmobile or other over-snow vehicles via a 14 mile route that may not be recently groomed.** **Road and snow conditions can change rapidly. Please plan accordingly, prepare and check conditions before you go.**
About
The Lost Horse Guard Station was built in 1938 by Emil Schwartz using Works Progress Administration funds at the request of Moose Creek District Ranger George Case. This excellent example of a Region One standard plan log cabin features saddle-notched random-length log crowns, a drive-through porch, native stone foundation, and cedar shingle roof. The cabin's quality construction has required minimal repairs over its 80-plus year history. The rental cabin accommodates guests with two sets of full-sized bunk beds, a wood-burning stove for heat, and a propane cook stove. Winter 2025-2026 marks the first season the cabin is available for winter rental. From January through March, guests must access the cabin via snowmobile or other over-snow vehicles on a 14-mile route that may not be recently groomed. Firewood is provided during winter months only. Located nearly 18 miles from Highway 93 in the Lost Horse Creek drainage, the cabin sits within a glacial-carved canyon landscape featuring towering peaks, granite cliffs, alpine lakes, avalanche chutes, and cascading waterfalls. The surrounding mixed coniferous forest transitions from ponderosa pine at lower elevations to lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and whitebark pine at higher elevations. Bailey Lake Trailhead is within walking distance, while Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes provide access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness within two miles. The area offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and paddling on Twin Lakes.
Directions
From Darby, Montana travel 7 miles north on Highway 93. Turn west on Lost Horse Road (FS 429) and travel approximately 18 miles to the guard station.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 821-3913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!