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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
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
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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