Swan Guard Station
Open — Open year-round for advance reservations through Recreation.gov. The road is plowed in winter, but power outages are possible during weather events.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
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 (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
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Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.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From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
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
Swan Guard Station holds the distinction of being the oldest building in the Flathead National Forest. Built in 1909 as a remote ranger station, this historic cabin has been fully restored and reconstructed, offering visitors a unique blend of history and comfort along the shores of beautiful Swan Lake in northwestern Montana. The accessible cabin accommodates up to eight guests with beds and mattresses provided. Modern amenities include electricity, a propane heater for the living room, and a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, sink, cooking range, oven, and ample cupboard space. However, guests should note there is no indoor plumbing; a vault toilet and hand-pump water system are located outside. The water system requires electricity to operate, and power outages are possible in this remote location. The road to the cabin is plowed in winter, though guests should prepare for winter driving conditions and potential delays in snow removal during severe weather. The cabin's location provides excellent access to year-round recreation. The nearby Bond Creek Trailhead offers hiking and mountain biking opportunities, while winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Swan Lake itself provides fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking opportunities. The adjacent Swan River Wildlife Refuge offers abundant bird and wildlife viewing, though visitors should be aware that grizzly bears frequent the area and proper food storage inside the cabin is mandatory.
Directions
From Bigfork take Highway 83 south towards Swan Lake. Continue through the town of Swan Lake to mile marker 69, just south of town. The cabin driveway is just south of the cabin rental sign. Continue down the driveway to the cabin with the porch.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Swan Lake Campground 2.0mi
- Mission Lookout 2.0mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH LOOP 13mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP NORTH LOOP 13mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH BEACH 13mi
- HEINRUDE DISPERSED CAMP SOUTH POINT 13mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP WEST 14mi
- Graves Creek Campground 15mi
- FOREST DISPERSED CAMP SOUTHWEST 14mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 837-7500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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