Month: May 2020

Overview

Savenac Cookhouse provides cooking and eating accommodations for large groups staying at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service’s largest and most beautiful nurseries in the West.

The cookhouse can seat up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities. In addition, the cookhouse can sleep up to 9 people downstairs.

Recreation

A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the cookhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available at the site to give visitors a historical perspective.

The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound.

In the winter, trails in the nearby area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west on Interstate 90.

Facilities

The cookhouse is equipped with a large kitchen including a commercial-grade vintage stove with grills, burners, and double ovens, a commercial diswasher, a walking refrigerator/freezer, two standard refrigerators, coffee pots, a microwave, and assorted cooking utensils, pots, pans, dishes and tableware for 25 to 30 people. The facility also has a dining area with tables and chairs that can seat 25 to 30 people, and a bathroom.

Downstairs, the cookhouse has 9 twin beds with mattresses, mostly in one large room, two bathrooms with showers, and a few dressers.

Guests will need to bring their own food and supplies as well as ice and any additional equipment that is needed. Guest will also need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper, grabage bags, and other necessities. Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facility.

The cookhouse is available year-round, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests in the cookhouse are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring some of their own amenities.

Additional sleeping quarters are available in the bunkhouse, but the bunkhouse must be rented in addition to the cookhouse.

Natural Features

The cookhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery, which was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service. Nursery operations concluded in 1969 and now the site is open to the public for recreation. The cookhouse was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation.

The facilities are close to the Idaho border, in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.

Nearby Attractions

The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, travel west on Interstate 90 for 90 miles, to Haugan (Exit 16). Turn right at the stop sign. At the frontage road turn right, then take the first left, crossing the cattleguard. Signs are onsite if needed. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 23′ 8.0002″ N

Longitude 115° 23′ 44.0002″ W

Overview

Savenac West Cottage provides a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping quarters for a family or small group of four people at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service’s largest and most beautiful nursery in the West. The cottage offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.

Recreation

A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective.

The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound.

In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.

Facilities

The cottage has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, as well as a living room. It has one queen bed with mattress and two twin beds with mattresses that can sleep up to four people. The kitchen is equipped with an electric cook stove, a microwave, refrigerator and assorted cooking utensils and dishes for eating. The facility has running hot and cold water, flush toilets and a shower.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned before leaving and a variety of basic cleaning supplies and equipment are provided. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facilitiy.

The cottage is available year-round, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle, however, in the winter four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Guests to the facility are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

The cottage is a locked facility. A key code will be sent in the reservation confirmation email. The key code will unlock the lock box located in the entry way of the cottage. The lock box holds the key to the front door. Please return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.

Natural Features

The cottage is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The cottage was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation.

The facilities are close to the Idaho border in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.

Nearby Attractions

The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, Montana, travel west on Interstate 90 for 90 miles to Exit 16 for Haugan. At the stop sign turn right. At the frontage road turn right and take the first left, crossing the cattle guard. Signs are onsite to follow. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 11′ 44.6302″ N

Longitude 114° 53′ 34.4299″ W

Overview

Thompson Peak Lookout provides great views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, the Idaho state line and, of course, the big sky of Montana. It is close enough to Superior to allow for easy access, but remote enough to provide the quiet and solitude expected at a lookout. The modernized tower provides amenities not typical to a lookout, making it a desirable place to stay.

Recreation

A variety of trails exist in the area, allowing visitors a chance to explore the surrounding forest. Wildlife spotting is also a popular activity. Most of all, visitors come to the tower to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Facilities

THE ONE-ROOM RENTAL CABIN IS EQUPPED WITH 1 TWIN-BED WITH A MATTRESS PAD AND SLEEPS UP TO FOUR PEOPLE. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO BRING COTS FOR ADDITIONAL SLEEPING OPTIONS. The facility has electricity and cell phone service, as well as an electric stove, heater, microwave and small refrigerator. Some basic eating and cooking utensils are supplied, as well as pots and pans, however drinking water is not available. An outhouse with a vault toilet is provided.

Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as bedding, towels, soap, garbage bags and toilet paper. Guests will need to clean the cabin before leaving. Some basic cleaning equipment and supplies are provided.

The facility can be accessed by vehicle on available dates between May 20 and October 10. It is closed to the public during the remainder of the year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features

The lookout is located on the third floor of a multiple story building that is used as a radio and cellular tower. Equipment is located on other floors of the building. It is constructed out of concrete blocks with an enclosed stairway, making it more suitable for children.

The 2 million-acre Lolo National Forest includes four wilderness areas and a wide variety of trees, plants and wildlife. The area is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bears. Both the bald and golden eagle reside in the forest, along with trumpeter swan, herons and dozens of varieties of duck.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, Montana, travel west on I-90 for about 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign. At the next stop sign turn left and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road, towards the Exxon Gas Station, and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive for about 3 miles and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District at 406-822-4233.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 10′ 41.9999″ N

Longitude 114° 54′ 27.0000″ W

Overview

Savenac Bunkhouse provides sleeping accommodations for large groups staying at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service’s largest and most beautiful nurseries in the West. The bunkhouse can sleep up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.

Recreation

A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the bunkhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is also available, giving visitors some background on the history of the site.

The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound.

In the winter, trails in the nearby area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.

Facilities

The two-story bunkhouse has four bedrooms with doors, each containing two twin beds and a dresser, and a large open area with several twin beds and bunkbeds on the first floor. Upstairs are multiple twin beds and bunkbeds in a large open space spanning the entire building. Every bed comes with a mattress. The bunkhouse has two bathrooms (one small and one large) with running water, flush toilets, sinks and showers. It can accommodate up to 30 people and is a sleeping facility only.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags and other necessities. Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inpsection before leaving the facility.

The bunkhouse is available from May 5 to October 15 each year, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests to the bunkhouse are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

The bunkhouse does not have kitchen or refrigeration facilities for food. Bunkhouse renters may not use the cookhouse unless they rent the cookhouse in addition to the bunkhouse.

Natural Features

The bunkhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The bunkhouse was originally a garage and has been converted to sleeping quarters.

The facilities are close to the Idaho border, in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.

Nearby Attractions

The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, travel west on Interstate 90 for 90 miles, to Exit 16 for Haugan. Turn right at the stop sign. At the frontage road turn right and take the first left across the cattleguard. Signs are present onsite to follow. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 23′ 8.0002″ N

Longitude 115° 23′ 44.0002″ W

Overview

Up Up Lookout is 40 feet tall and perched on a beautiful rock pinnacle in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. It is close to the Idaho border, giving guests a bird’s eye view of the entire area. The lookout is a fantastic place by which to view the St. Regis River drainage and the high alpine country.

The tower can be accessed by vehicle. Children are discouraged, as the tower has an exterior open stairway. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The Up Up Ridge Trail takes visitors into the spectacular Ward and Eagle peaks roadless area, where visitors will find several scenic alpine lakes and various points of exploration. The trail leads to other trails, which take hikers and mountain bikers to the 7,300-foot Eagle Peak, providing ample views of the surrounding area.

Big game hunters often camp along the ridge. It is also a great place to see vibrantly colored fall leaves, beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, do some berry picking and even fishing. The area holds many scenic and recreational attractions. The trail leads all the way to the Idaho state line, near Ward Peak.

Facilities

THE LOOKOUT CAN SLEEP UP TO FOUR PEOPLE AND IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE TWIN BED AND MATTRESS PAD. IT IS RECOMMENED TO BRING ADDITIONAL COTS TO SLEEP ON. It has propane lights and a heater. There are no cooking facilities or refrigeration. A campfire ring with a grill and a picnic table are provided at the base of the tower, along with an outhouse with a pit toilet.

Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as cooking equipment and fuel. Cots, bedding, towels, soap, cooking and eating utensils, matches, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests will need to clean the facility prior to leaving.

Natural Features

The wooden tower was built in the 1930s and used as a fire lookout for several years. It is situated between the main highway and the Idaho border, at an elevation of 5,900 feet. With the growing use of aircraft for fire detection, fewer lookouts have been staffed in recent years and many are converted to cabin rentals available to the public.

The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, from mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bear, mountain lions and moose, to many varieties of smaller animals and birds. Wildlife viewing areas offer guests ample opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

West bound on I-90 take the Drexel Exit #25. From Drexel turn back east on I-90 to Ward Creek Exit #26.
East bound on I-90 take the Ward Cr Exit #26.
Proceed up the Ward Creek Rd #889, travel 3.2 miles.
Turn right onto Road #3816 and travel 12.1 miles to the locked gate.
Proceed 3.2 miles behind the gate to the base of the tower.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 19′ 55.9999″ N

Longitude 115° 20′ 35.9999″ W

Overview

West Fork Butte Lookout is an ideal place for guests to experience the mountains south of Missoula from a unique vantage point. The facility provides near-360-degree views of the surrounding area. It is equipped with basic supplies and provides guests a base camp location from which to explore the area.

Access by vehicle is available for a relatively short time during the summer months and is variable during the spring and fall. If the gate at the bottom of Forest Road 37 is closed, guests may have to hike, ski or snowmobile roughly 7.5 miles to the facility. Please call the Missoula Ranger District to check gate status. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Hiking trails are available in the area. Visitors often bring cross-country skis or snowshoes for wintertime fun. Snowmobiles are often used to reach the lookout in the winter, and there is a system of groomed trails to explore nearby.

Fishing is available in Lolo Creek.

Facilities

The lookout can sleep up to four people and is equipped with bunk beds and mattress pads. The lookout also has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove and lantern, as well as a wood stove for heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not always guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814. A vault toilet is provided.

Guests should bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding and towels, propane fuel canisters, flashlights, matches, lighters, garbage bags, toilet paper and cleaning supplies are not supplied at the facility. Guests are responsible for cleaning the lookout prior to departure.

Natural Features

The 14-by-14′ lookout is situated on a rocky knob with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Lolo Peak, the Bitterroot Mountains and the Lolo Creek drainage. The lookout is close to the Montana-Idaho border and Lolo Pass.

The surrounding forest is comprised primarily of lodgepole pine and larch. The area is home to elk, moose, deer and black bears.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Hiking
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, travel south on Highway 93 to Lolo. Turn onto Highway 12 and continue west for 17 miles, following Lolo Creek to Forest Road 37. Turn left onto Road 37, and cross the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek. . There are two gates along the route to the lookout. The first is located near the beginning of Forest Road 37 not far from the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek. This gate is open during the summer months, closed in the winter and variable during the spring and fall. The second gate is located roughly 7 miles from the intersection of Forest Road 37 and Highway 12. This gate is always closed and has a lock with the same combination as the lookout. After crossing the concrete bridge over Lolo Creek, continue past the old buildings. The road turns sharply to the left and begins to climb out of the drainage bottom. The first gate is located just after the road turns to the left. Follow Forest Road 37 for approximately 7 miles to the second intersection. Turn a sharp left, open the locked gate using the combination provided by the Missoula Ranger Station and travel through . Close the gate behind you and follow the road a half mile to the lookout.

During the winter and early spring months the gate near the beginning of Forest Road 37 is closed and locked to provide skiing and snowmobiling opportunities and to protect roadbed surfaces during spring break-up conditions. When the gate is locked, visitors can park at the parking area below the gate, and follow the route via snowmobile, skis or foot 7.5 miles to the lookout. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 46° 44′ 1.0000″ N

Longitude 114° 24′ 1.0001″ W

Overview

Lake Alva Campground is situated at the north end of Lake Alva in northwestern Montana. It offers visitors a chance to camp out and enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.
This site is currently open for day-use only due to ongoing vegetation management activities in the campground. Overnight camping has been suspended until further notice.

Recreation

Boating and fishing are popular on 298-acre Lake Alva. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, suckers, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species.

A boat ramp is available at the campground and while motorized boating is allowed, many non-motorized boaters find solace during early morning hours on the lake. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are available for rent. Swimming is also a popular activity.

Lake Alva is a NO-WAKE lake.

Facilities

The only sites available for reservation at Lake Alva Campground are two group campsites. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The group sites can accommodate up to 25 people each. Parking space is limited. Each site is equipped with oversized tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

The campground also offers a day-use picnic area with sites that overlook the beautiful mountain lake. It offers access to a swimming beach, boat ramp, boat trailer parking, trash collection and recycling bins. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided.

The area is patrolled daily by the host and local law enforcement.

Natural Features

The campground lies on the north end of Lake Alva, amid a dense forest that offers ample shade. At an elevation of approximately 4,120 feet, temperatures are relatively cool on summer days.

Plentiful wildlife viewing and birding opportunities exist in and around the campground. The lake is a loon nesting area during May and June, and the birds’ mesmerizing calls can often be heard from the campground.

Nearby Attractions

Seeley Lake is about 10 miles from the campground, with boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The town of Seeley Lake lies on the southeastern end of the lake.

The beautiful Mission Mountain Wilderness is about an hour away. The area is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From the junction of Montana Highways 200 and 83 (locally referred to as Clearwater Junction), travel north on Highway 83 for approximately 15 miles to the town of Seeley Lake. Continue north on Highway 83 for about 11 miles. The campground entrance is located on the west side of the highway.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 19′ 27.9998″ N

Longitude 113° 34′ 37.9999″ W

Overview

Big Larch Campground is located on the east shoreline of Seeley Lake. A great place to cool off on a hot day, it has a beach and a boat ramp, as well as ample shade for those who just want to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is a favorite of locals, with plenty of space for camping, picnicking and recreating on the water.

Recreation

The campground is in a great spot for boating and fishing. Anglers cast for a variety of freshwater fish, including Kokanee salmon, bass, whitefish, pike, trout and perch, among other species. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Water skiing is a popular activity.

The Big Larch Nature Trail, a half-mile interpretive trail, begins in the campground and offers an educational look at the surrounding wilderness.

Facilities

Two group camping areas are available for reservation at Big Larch Campground. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The group campsites can accommodate up to 25 people and about four tents each. Sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

The campground also offers a day-use picnic area that provides access to a swimming beach, boat ramp and boat trailer parking. The area is equipped with tables and campfire rings, as well as accessible vault toilets, trash collection and recycling bins. Drinking water is also provided.

Natural Features

The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest, including plenty of tall larch and pine trees. While there is ample space between sites, the lack of understory makes for minimal privacy. At an elevation of about 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant throughout most of the summer months.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is a short distance from the Clearwater River Canoe Trail, which offers a prime location to witness the area’s spectacular birding and wildlife viewing opportunities in a scenic setting. The water trail is popular with canoeists and kayakers as it stretches 3.5 miles, or a couple of hours, down the river.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Picnicking
• Winter sports
• Water sports
• Wildlife viewing
• Day use area
• Swimming site
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Berry picking
• Birding
• Jet skiing
• Amphitheater
• Ice fishing

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Directions

From the junction of Montana Highways 200 and 83 (locally referred to as Clearwater Junction), travel north on Highway 83 for approximately 15 miles to the town of Seeley Lake. Continue north on Highway 83 for 1 mile. The campground entrance is located on the west side of the highway.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 47° 11′ 31.9999″ N

Longitude 113° 29′ 38.0000″ W

Overview

The Hogback Homestead is a fully furnished log cabin that sits on approximately five acres along Hogback Creek in western Montana. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities as well as exceptional scenery.

Recreation

This area offers spring, summer and fall recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The area is popular for big game hunting in designated areas. Visitors enjoy fishing nearby in Rock Creek, a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Access to the Hogback Ridge trailhead and an extensive network of trails is located at the entrance to the homestead site.

Facilities

The two-story cabin has three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people. The kitchen, living room/dining room, and a single bedroom with a double bed are located on the first floor. Two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two bunk beds, are located on the second floor. The first floor is wheelchair accessible.

The cabin is heated with a wood stove and is equipped with propane lights and a propane cook stove. The rental is outfitted with period furniture including a large bench-style dining table, kitchen table, chairs, couches and dressers. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils, cookware and other amenities may be available, but are not guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814.

Water is available intermittently at the hand pump located behind the homestead. Potable water cannot be guaranteed,recommended you bring an adiquate supply of your own drinking water. An accessible vault toilet is also provided outside, behind the cabin.

Guests should bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Bedding, pillows, towels, food, matches, flashlights, toilet paper and garbage bags are not provided. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin prior to their departure.

The cabin is accessible by vehicle. In the late fall and early spring, depending on weather conditions, guests may need to hike or ski up to a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features

The cabin is located near the scenic Hogback Creek, in the rugged Sapphire Mountains, at an elevation of 4,500 feet. It was built in 1917 as a permanent home. In the early 1990s the Missoula Ranger District, along with many dedicated volunteers, restored the Hogback Homestead to its original historic condition, providing renters an opportunity to experience the setting and lifestyle of the early 1900s.

The Sapphire Mountains contain large stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.

Nearby Activities

• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, Montana, travel east on Interstate 90 for about 20 miles to exit 126. Drive south on Rock Creek Road for about 29 miles. Rock Creek Road is a hardened surface for 12 miles and the remainder is a gravel, single-lane road, with intermittent pull-outs. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers, due to blind turns, steep grades and narrow width. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.

During late fall and early spring, take the Drummond exit 153 on Interstate 90 and follow Scenic Highway 1 south toward Philipsburg. One mile north of Philipsburg, turn west on State Road 348. Travel 13 miles west, cross Rock Creek and turn north onto Rock Creek Road. Continue 12 miles to the homestead. The road is plowed within 3 miles of the cabin. A four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with chains is recommended. Travelers may also want to bring an alternate form of transportation (skis or snowshoes) to complete the route.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 46° 24′ 38.0002″ N

Longitude 113° 42′ 6.9998″ W

Overview

Morgan-Case Homestead is a rustic log cabin situated on approximately 320 acres along Rock Creek. The cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance relating to early homesteading and ranching in Granite County and western Montana. It was an active work site from 1890 to 1951.

In addition to being a great home base for big game hunters, the cabin provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including blue-ribbon trout fishing and trails that are open to hiking and horseback riding, as well as cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Recreation

The area surrounding the cabin offers both summer and winter recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The Sandstone/Wyman trailhead is located within a mile of the homestead, providing access to an extensive network of trails.

Rock Creek is well known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Proper licenses are required to enjoy hunting and fishing in the state of Montana. The surrounding meadows provide great opportunities for wildlife viewing as well.

Facilities

The single-story log cabin is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to five people. The rental has two bedrooms, a living room, dining room and a kitchen. It is equipped with beds and mattresses, a table and chairs, counter and cupboard space, period furniture and an accessible outdoor vault toilet. Drinking water is not provided. It is recommended that you bring an adequate supply of your own water.

The kitchen is outfitted with an electric range and oven, refrigerator and electric lights. In the winter the cabin is heated to 50 degrees with electric baseboard heaters. It is equipped with a wood stove for additional heat. Cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils cookware, utilities and other amenities may be available, but are not guaranteed; call for availability, (406) 329-3814.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, garbage bags, toilet paper and some cooking and eating utensils and equipment. Guests are responsible for cleaning the cabin prior to departure.

The cabin is accessible by vehicle, depending on conditions. During the winter, travelers may have to hike, ski or snowshoe about a mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Natural Features

The homestead is located in the rugged Sapphire Mountains at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The Missoula Ranger District began preservation work on the cabin in 2001, restoring its historic charm.

The Sapphire Mountains contain large stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests and are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears.

Nearby Activities

• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Wildlife viewing

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Directions

From Missoula, Montana, travel east on Interstate 90 for about 20 miles to exit 126. Drive south on Rock Creek Road for about 30 miles. Rock Creek Road is a hardened surface for 12 miles and the remainder is a gravel, single-lane road, with intermittent pull-outs. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers, due to blind turns, steep grades and narrow width. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Missoula Ranger District.

During winter, take the Drummond exit 153 on Interstate 90 and follow Scenic Highway 1 south toward Philipsburg. One mile north of Philipsburg, turn west on State Road 348. Travel 13 miles west, cross Rock Creek and turn north onto Rock Creek Road. Continue 10 miles to the homestead. Winter access is plowed within 2 miles of the cabin. A four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with chains is recommended. Travelers may also want to bring an alternate form of transportation (skis or snowshoes) to complete the route.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 46° 24′ 10.0001″ N

Longitude 113° 41′ 15.0000″ W