West Fork Cabin

About

West Fork Cabin is a historic one-room Forest Service cabin built in 1928 as an intermediate station for patrolling grazing allotments. Situated at 8,460 feet in the Gravelly Range, it offers a secluded mountain experience near the headwaters of the West Fork Madison River. The area was affected by the Eureka Fire in 2013 and is home to high-elevation pronghorn antelope, elk, moose, and bears. The cabin sleeps three with one set of bunk beds and a twin bed. A wood-burning stove provides heat, while a propane stove and lantern offer cooking and lighting. Basic cookware, dishes, utensils, and cleaning supplies are provided. There is no electricity or potable water; guests must bring drinking water, bedding, food, propane canisters, and all personal supplies. A vault toilet outhouse is located approximately 30 yards south. Recreation includes hiking, horseback riding, and OHV trails accessing Black Butte (10,542 ft) and Hellroaring trailhead. Hunting is popular in fall. Snowmobiling is permitted after December 1. Red Rocks National Wildlife Refuge lies to the south, and Yellowstone National Park is about 60 miles east.

Directions

From Ennis, travel south on Highway 287 for about 30 miles, then head northwest on Standard Creek Road for about 20 miles, and south on Forest Road 290 for 10 miles. The majority of the road is gravel with long, steep grades that may require four-wheel drive. Roads can be treacherous when wet or snowy. Over-snow vehicles are necessary in winter and permitted after December 1.