Montana › Gallatin County › Custer Gallatin National Forest

Wapiti Cabin

Open

Open year-round. Currently in spring transition period where road conditions may require ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile access. Summer vehicle access typically begins around July 1. Reservations via Recreation.gov. Maximum 7-night stay. Firewood not provided June 1 through September 30.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

7:30 AM — August 11th, 9:00 AM

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

Wapiti Cabin is a primitive, rustic log structure in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, located between the Madison and Gallatin Mountain Ranges at 7,000 feet elevation near Wapiti Creek. The cabin accommodates up to four overnight guests with cots (bring your own bedding), a wood stove for heat, and an old-fashioned wood cook stove. Basic amenities include an axe, shovel, bucket, table with chairs, and a stock pot. An outhouse is located adjacent to the cabin. The cabin is open year-round but access varies seasonally. From approximately July 1 through December 1, visitors can drive to the cabin via Taylor Fork Road (Forest Service Road 134) and Forest Service Road 2522. From December 2 through late spring, snow typically closes the road and guests must travel approximately 6 miles by snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes from Highway 191. The Big Sky Snowmobile Trail passes within 2 miles of the cabin. This is grizzly bear habitat, so all attractants must be stored inside the cabin. The area offers excellent recreation including mountain biking on the Wapiti Loops, hiking into the Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area, and backcountry skiing. Horse users will find a corral and hitching rail. There is no potable water, electricity, or garbage service; visitors must bring drinking water and pack out all trash.

Directions

From West Yellowstone, drive north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road (Forest Service Road 134) and continue about 3.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 2522 and proceed approximately 1.5 miles; the cabin is on the right. In winter (December 2 through May 15), park at the Sage Creek Trailhead on Highway 191 and travel 8 miles via the Big Sky/Carrot Basin Trail by snowmobile, or park at the Albino Lake Trailhead and ski/snowshoe 2 miles south to the cabin.