Notch Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. Open July 1 through November. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Renters must call Madison Ranger District at +1 (406) 682-4253 for cabin combination 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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
R1-2023-01 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.
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.
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.
Madison Ranger District 8325A and 8325B Roads Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestMadison Ranger District
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 fir
Thompson Park Area Closure for Camping and Fires
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and resource protection resulting from high levels of undeveloped (dispersed) camping in the area.
Elkhorn Mill and Mine Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety. The mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the audit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
About
Notch Cabin sits in a remote part of southwestern Montana within proposed wilderness on the Snowcrest Range. The cabin is located at 8,470 feet elevation in a narrow notch between Olson Peak and Hogback Mountain, with Robb Creek running less than 100 feet from the structure. The original cabin burned in 2019 and was replaced following the original design by Forest Service crews in 2024 and 2025. The 12x16 foot cabin accommodates 2 people and includes bunk beds with foam pads, a propane cook stove and lantern (guests must bring small propane canisters), a wood heating stove with firewood provided, and basic cooking and cleaning supplies. A primitive outhouse is located 100 feet northwest of the cabin. Water is available only from the stream and must be filtered, treated, or boiled. The surrounding landscape transitions from sagebrush and grasslands to timbered slopes. The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area borders the site, providing habitat for elk, mule deer, antelope, upland birds, black bears, moose, and a growing grizzly bear population. The Snowcrest Trail is within a mile, offering 40 miles of hiking and horseback riding with panoramic views. Big game hunting is popular during season, and nearby seasonal streams offer brook trout fishing. Access is extremely challenging, requiring nearly 3 hours from Ennis with the final 28 miles on gravel, dirt, or primitive two-track roads with large rocks and deep ruts that may be impassable when wet.
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 onto Robb Creek road and after about 4.5 miles, enter the Robb-Ledford WMA. Continue 0.5 mile to junction, turn right and travel 5 miles. Continue south toward the mountains and cross Robb Creek after about 3.5 miles. Go 0.5 mile to the Forest boundary, then another mile to the cabin. Total distance about 62 miles from Ennis with the final 28 miles on gravel, dirt or primitive two-track. Driving time nearly 3 hours with the last 9 miles taking over an hour. High-clearance 4WD vehicle required.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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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