Trail Creek Cabin
Open year-round via Recreation.gov reservations. Maximum stay 5 nights. Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out noon. ATV/motorcycle access via Goose Creek Trail permitted June 16 through December 1. Newman Creek Road may be unplowed in winter, adding 1 mile to the approach.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. 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
About
Trail Creek Cabin, originally built in 1924 as the Bozeman Ranger District station, offers a backcountry lodging experience in Montana's Gallatin Mountains. The cabin sits at 6,200 feet elevation on the edge of a meadow fronted by lodgepole pine, with mountain peaks visible from the front porch. A small intermittent creek runs behind the structure. Wildlife including bear, moose, elk, and deer frequent the area. The cabin sleeps four in bunk beds and is heated by a wood stove, with firewood provided October through May for indoor use only. A propane lantern and two-burner propane cookstove are available, but guests must supply their own propane canisters. There is no electricity, running water, or potable water; the nearby creek is intermittent and any natural water must be treated. A vault toilet outhouse and a four-horse corral are on the exterior, along with a campfire ring. Access is the defining challenge. From Newman Creek trailhead, it's 2 miles on foot or horseback, with the first 1.5 miles crossing private property (stay on trail). From Goose Creek, the route is 5 miles and accommodates ATVs, motorcycles, and UTVs under 50 inches wide from June 16 to December 1. In winter, skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles are required, and Newman Creek Road may not be plowed.
Directions
From I-90 Exit 316 (Livingston area), travel south on Trail Creek Road. For foot, ski, or horse access: continue 7 miles south, turn west on Newman Creek Road (unsigned) and go 1 mile to the trailhead; the cabin is 2 miles in, with the first 1.5 miles crossing private property. For ATV/snowmobile access: from I-90 Exit 316, go south 3 miles on Trail Creek Road, then west on Goose Creek Road 2 miles to the locked gate; the cabin is 5.2 miles beyond the gate. OHVs must be under 50 inches wide to pass through the gate slot.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 222-1892 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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