USA 250 Shirt →
Shields Valley beyond 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.

Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

August 11th, 8:15 AM — 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 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 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. 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

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.

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 $65

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (406) 222-1892

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Shields Valley beyond Porcupine Cabin
Views to the southwest of Porcupine
Back porch at Porcupine Cabin
Music in the mountains
Early spring hike into Porcupine
Field of flowers at Porcupine Cabin
Porcupine Cabin
Porcupine porch
Porcupine Cabin in winter

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