Windy Pass Cabin

About

Windy Pass Cabin offers a true backcountry experience in the Gallatin Mountains of southwestern Montana. Built in 1934, this rustic Forest Service cabin sits near the Gallatin Crest at approximately 8,900 feet elevation within the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. The cabin sleeps four people with bunk beds downstairs and two beds in a loft, all with mattresses provided. A wood-burning stove provides heat, and basic furnishings include a table with chairs plus cookware and utensils. Access requires a 2.5-mile hike from the Windy Pass/Upper Portal Creek trailhead, gaining 1,300 feet in elevation. There is no motorized access. High alpine meadows dotted with evergreens surround the cabin, bursting with wildflowers in July. A short walk to the top of the Gallatin Crest offers views of the Absaroka Range, Yellowstone River valley, and Madison Range. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, flashlights or lanterns, matches, and trash bags for pack-out. A spring-fed stream runs near the cabin but water must be treated. The area is home to grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. A horse corral accommodating four horses is available for equestrian visitors.

Directions

From Bozeman, drive west toward Four Corners, then south on US-191 toward Big Sky for about 35 miles. Turn left onto Portal Creek Road (FS 984) and travel 3.5 miles to the FS Road 6959/984 junction. Take the right fork and stay on FS 984 toward Upper Portal Creek/Windy Pass Trailhead for 5.3 more miles, staying left past the Hidden Lakes Trailhead junction. From the trailhead, hike Trail 82 for 2.5 miles to the junction with Windy Pass Trail 420, then turn left and hike about 0.25 miles to the cabin. Total elevation gain is 1,300 feet. No motorized access is permitted.