Swan Guard Station
Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Winter visitors should be prepared for possible power outages and road plowing delays during severe snowfall. Active avalanche danger advisories may be in effect for surrounding areas.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 11:42AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches, with higher amounts above valley floors and in Glacier National Park. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Essex, Polebridge, Bad Rock Canyon, Glacier National Park, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, and Marias Pass. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
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.
About
Swan Guard Station is a historic cabin rental located at the south end of Swan Lake in northwestern Montana's Flathead National Forest. Built in 1909 as a remote ranger station, it is the oldest building in the forest and has been fully restored for public use. The cabin accommodates up to eight people across three bedrooms: one downstairs with a single bed, and two upstairs rooms with double and single beds. The cabin offers electricity and a propane heater in the living room for warmth. The kitchen is well-equipped with a refrigerator, sink, cooking range, oven, and ample cupboard space. There is no indoor plumbing; a vault toilet and hand-pump water system are located outside. Picnic tables are available on the grounds. The nearby Swan River Wildlife Refuge provides excellent bird and wildlife viewing. Bond Creek Trailhead offers hiking and mountain biking access. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities, and the access road is plowed, though delays may occur during severe snowfall.
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
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| 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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