Porcupine Cabin

Open — Open year-round with reservations through Recreation.gov. Summer drive-in access requires high-clearance 4WD. Winter access requires skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling the last 2 miles from the end of the maintained road. Five-night maximum stay limit.

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About

Porcupine Cabin sits on a hillside meadow in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet, offering panoramic views of the Bridger Mountains and Shields Valley. Built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down and remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, this historic cabin served as temporary housing for Forest Service rangers patrolling for timber poachers, watching for fires, and monitoring livestock. Today, the 26x44-foot frame house is available year-round to outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin features three rooms, a screened front porch, and bunk beds with mattresses for up to 8 people. A wood stove provides heat, and a propane lantern is available for lighting. The property includes a vault toilet outhouse, a campfire ring, and a small pasture with barn for equestrian use. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, cooking gear, food, and other necessities. Firewood is not provided from June 1 through September 30. A nearby trailhead provides access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails into the Crazy Mountains. Winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wildlife including deer, moose, bears, and elk frequent the area, along with bald eagles, owls, and various songbirds. Summer access requires a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle due to rough road conditions. During winter, the last 2 miles are not plowed, requiring skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles to reach the cabin.

Directions

From Livingston, travel north on Highway 89 to Wilsall. Just north of Wilsall, turn northeast onto Shields River Road. Continue 8 miles to Porcupine Road, turn east and drive 8 miles to the cabin. High-clearance 4WD recommended. During winter, the last 2 miles are not plowed; skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles required.