West Fork Cabin
Closed for the season. Roads in the Gravelly Range are closed to wheeled motorized vehicles April 1 through June 30. The cabin reopens July 1, 2026 and is reservable through Recreation.gov. Note: the cabin is also closed every Wednesday from July through November for administrative purposes.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 6:45PM MDT until August 11 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag Warning. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111. * TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. * WINDS...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 12 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
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
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
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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