Montana / Broadwater County / Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

Rillway Cabin

Open — Open year-round with vehicle access. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Rillway Cabin offers a unique glimpse into Montana history, named for the combination of the Averill and Hollaway family names who owned it in the 1920s. The cabin was originally built between 1918 and 1922 on a Forest Service permit obtained by Dr. A.C. Kelly, a Townsend physician and former mayor. Today it serves as a comfortable, rustic getaway along scenic Deep Creek in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The one-room cabin accommodates up to 6 guests with 3 sets of bunk beds and mattresses. Amenities include a fireplace insert for heat, propane lanterns for light, a propane cook stove, table and chairs, and basic cooking utensils and cookware. A vault toilet outhouse is located near the cabin. The cabin has no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing, so guests must pack in sufficient drinking water and bring 1-2 small propane cylinders for the lanterns and stove. Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed, and none is provided from June 1 through August 31. The cabin's location offers easy access to outdoor recreation year-round. Deep Creek flows adjacent to the property, providing habitat for trout and a scenic fishing backdrop. Cross-country ski trails are just up the highway, and snowmobiling areas are nearby for winter enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape ranges from river banks to subalpine terrain, with valley bottoms, dense forests, meadows, and barren ridges. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, and various bird species commonly spotted. The cabin offers the easiest vehicle access of any rental cabin on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Directions

From the 4-way stop light in Townsend, turn east on Highway 12. Follow for 14 miles and watch for the Rillway Cabin sign on the right side at the 14-mile marker. Only right turns are allowed when leaving the cabin area; use the pullout approximately 1 mile east to turn around if traveling west.

Nearby Campgrounds