Star Meadows Guard Station
Currently closed for major repairs and upgrades to utility and heating systems. The exact timing of work is uncertain, so the closure is scheduled longer than the expected duration. Check Recreation.gov regularly for calendar updates as the work schedule becomes clearer.
From Recreation.gov
*Dear Forest Visitor –* *We are currently planning major repairs and upgrades to the utility and heating systems at Star Meadows cabin. This work will require a temporary closure of the facility.* *Because the timing of the work is uncertain, the closure is currently scheduled for a longer period of time than the expected duration of work. If you are trying to book Star Meadows cabin during this closure period, we encourage you to check back regularly. Updates to the calendar will be made as the exact timing of the work becomes more certain. Our goal is to maximize public availability of the cabin, while safely completing the needed upgrades. Thank you for your patience and understanding.*
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
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, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
R1-2023-02 - 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.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 Closure for Emergency Repairs
Big Creek Canyon Creek Road 316 closed to motorized travel during 2026 repair work. See details and authorized access info.
Blankenship Emergency Closure
The Blankenship Bridge Area (Blankenship southwest), located south of Blankenship Road on the west side of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is temporarily closed for public safety due to high water.
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center The Flathead National Forest has three forecast zones for avalanches: the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park, and the Swan Range. Avalanche hazards are highly spatially variable, so…
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .Camping or otherwise occupying a designated site for over three consecutive days within a calendar year.
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Star Meadows Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin built in 1941 to house personnel and stock for the Tally Lake District. Located in a valley near the foot of Mt. Swaney in northwestern Flathead National Forest, the cabin was placed on the National Historic Register in 1991 and restored through a Passport in Time project beginning in 2001. The paved Star Meadows Road provides year-round access from Whitefish, about 27 miles away. The two-room main cabin features electric wall heaters, a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, oven, microwave, and cookware, and sleeps 6-8 on two oversized bunk beds and a sectional couch. A separate bunkhouse renovated in 2010 adds capacity for 4-6 guests with two bunk beds and a futon. Guests must bring their own bedding, food, and water if visiting outside the April-November window when the hand-pump well is operational. A wood-paneled vault toilet with electric lights sits 20 yards from the cabin. The property includes an outdoor fire pit, picnic table, horseshoe pit, and patio area with table and umbrella. Trail 171A begins in the backyard and leads to Sylvia Lake approximately 10 miles away. Tally Lake, Montana's second deepest lake, is 7 miles east. Dogs are allowed with an on-site kennel provided. Winter visitors should be prepared for potential unplowed road conditions during storms.
Directions
From Whitefish, take Highway 93 west approximately 10-12 miles to mile marker 139, turn left onto Farm to Market Road. Continue 1.5-1.7 miles, turn right at the "Tally Lake Campground" sign onto Star Meadows Road. Continue approximately 15 miles to the cabin driveway, located almost across from mile marker 15.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 758-5204 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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