Trail Creek Cabin

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.