Wurtz Cabin
Open year-round for reservations through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 3 consecutive nights and 7 days per calendar year. Check-in is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. The gravel North Fork Road is only intermittently plowed in winter; four-wheel drive and chains are recommended for winter access.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Wurtz Cabin offers a unique opportunity to stay in a piece of Montana history. Originally built by Frank and Ella Wurtz in 1913, this homestead was expanded as their family grew and remained occupied through the 1960s. Volunteers helped the Forest Service restore the structure, which now sits on the National Historic Register. The cabin features two double beds and a bunk bed on the main floor plus twin beds in the loft, accommodating up to 12 guests. The rear of the cabin is lined with dense conifers while the front faces a grassy lawn overlooking pine trees with the snow-capped Livingston Range in Glacier National Park visible in the distance. Amenities include propane cook stove, propane heater, propane lights, wood stove, and an outdoor vault toilet. Firewood is provided October 1 through May 1. There is no potable water or electricity; guests must bring their own water, food, bedding, flashlights, and garbage bags. Grizzly bears frequent the area, so all food, beverages, coolers, and garbage must be stored inside the cabin. The North Fork Road is gravel and only intermittently plowed in winter; four-wheel drive and chains are recommended during winter months. Glacier National Park can be accessed at Polebridge, south of the cabin.
Directions
From Columbia Falls, travel north on Nucleus Avenue and turn east onto Railroad Street at the stop sign. The road becomes North Fork Road as it travels over the railroad overpass. Continue north approximately 46 miles; Wurtz Cabin is on the left (west side of the road). The majority of the road is gravel.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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