Notch Cabin
Closed until July 1. The cabin operates seasonally from July 1 through November. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. A mandatory food storage order is in effect March 1 through December 1 due to grizzly bear activity.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure
Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as…
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Restrictions
A package of restrictions for the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests regarding travel and camping with stock, campfires, group size, and mandatory party/individual registration.
About
Notch Cabin is a remote Forest Service rental located in southwestern Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, within proposed wilderness. The cabin sits at 8,470 feet in a dramatic notch between Olson Peak and Hogback Mountain on the Snowcrest Range, with Robb Creek flowing about 100 feet in front. Originally built by a miner in the early 1900s, the cabin burned down in 2019 and was rebuilt by Forest Service crews in 2024-2025 following the original design. The 12x16-foot cabin accommodates two people on bunk beds with foam pads. Amenities include a wood heat stove with firewood supplied, propane cook stove with basic cooking utensils, propane lantern (fuel not provided), and cleaning supplies. A primitive outhouse is located 100 feet west. Water is available only from the stream and must be filtered and treated. There is no electricity. Access requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The cabin is approximately 62 miles from Ennis, Montana, with the final 28 miles on gravel, dirt, and primitive two-track roads featuring large rocks and deep ruts. The last 9 miles alone take over an hour. The road may be impassable when wet. The area offers hiking on the nearby 40-mile Snowcrest Trail, big game hunting, and fishing in seasonal mountain streams. The adjacent Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area spans 28,000 acres and is home to elk, mule deer, and grizzly bears.
Directions
From Ennis, take Montana Highway 287 west for 23 miles to Alder. At Alder, turn south toward Ruby Reservoir (County 248) and travel 21 miles. Turn right on Ledford Creek Road (County 50) and travel southwest for 3 miles to signed junction. Turn right and after about 4.5 miles, enter the Robb-Ledford WMA. Continue 0.5 mile to junction, turn right and travel 5 miles. After 5 miles, the Springbrook road joins from the west. Continue south toward the mountains and cross Ledford Creek after about 3.5 miles. Go 0.5 mile farther to reach the Forest Boundary; the cabin lies 1 mile beyond. Total driving time from Ennis is nearly 3 hours.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!