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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 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, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
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.
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
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