Montana › Park County › Custer Gallatin National Forest

Porcupine Cabin

Open

Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Maximum 5-night stay. Summer access requires high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Winter access requires skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling 2-3 miles from the end of the maintained road. Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out noon.

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Hydrologic Outlook issued May 23 at 1:44AM MDT by NWS Billings MT

1:44 AM — May 25th, 5:45 AM

ESFBYZ Unseasonably warm temperatures this weekend into early next week will result in higher flows on area waterways through next week as the remaining high elevation snowpack melts. Flooding is not expected at this time. Rivers such as the Yellowstone and Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder are expected to see flows double the current rates by late in the week. Smaller streams and creeks flowing out of the mountains will see rises late this weekend into early next week, with larger rivers and streams further downstream seeing the strongest increases from Tuesday through Friday. Those with interests along foothills waterways should be prepared for higher water levels, and move property and livestock away from rivers, streams, and low lying areas. Recreationists in the mountains and foothills should be prepared for changing conditions and use extra caution when near waterways. Flows will be higher and faster, and the water is very cold. Cloudy water conditions during runoff can also hide submerged hazards. Keep children and pets away from the edge of fast flowing waterways. Stay tuned to the forecast. Please report any flooding to local law enforcement and have them relay the report to the National Weather Service.

About

Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at 6,400 feet elevation, overlooking the grasslands of Shields Valley with views of the Bridger Mountains and the northern Crazy Mountain peaks. Built in 1914 after a previous structure burned, the cabin was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and historically served as temporary housing for Forest Service rangers patrolling for timber poachers, watching for fires, and monitoring livestock. The cabin accommodates up to 8 guests on bunk beds with mattresses. Amenities include a wood heating stove, propane lantern, table and chairs, screened front porch, and an outdoor campfire ring with benches. A vault toilet outhouse is located behind the cabin. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, cooking gear, food, toilet paper, and flashlights. Firewood is provided in winter; summer guests must bring or gather their own. The nearby trailhead provides access to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails heading east into the Crazy Mountains. Winter visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe the same trails. Wildlife in the area includes deer, moose, bears, elk, bald eagles, and various mountain bird species.

Directions

From Livingston, Montana, 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 (right) and drive another 8 miles to the cabin. High-clearance 4WD recommended. In winter, the last 2-3 miles are not plowed.