Facility Details - BEAR CREEK BUNKHOUSE, MT

Overview

The Bear Creek Bunkhouse allows visitors to experience southwestern Montana's vast wilderness areas, including wide open fields and a variety of nearby mountain ranges. Situated on the Bear Creek, the cabin offers a scenic location to enjoy nature.

The bunkhouse is used as an administrative site in the summer and fall months, but is open to the public between December and April. During the winter months, in addition to hunting, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as hiking and horseback riding on nearby trails.

The site can be accessed by vehicle, however, a portion of the road may be muddy or snow-covered, as it is not plowed. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.

Natural Features:

The facility is located at the edge of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, at the foot of the Madison Range. The bunkhouse is situated at an elevation of 6,250 feet, amid open meadows that are surrounded by mature hardwoods and other trees.

Bear Creek runs near the bunkhouse and nearby cabin, and the Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area lies immediately to the north. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears and grizzly bears, mountain grouse, and other species (learn more about bear safety).

Recreation:

Big game hunting is an activity enjoyed by visitors to the bunkhouse. In addition, there are a variety of hiking and horseback riding trails in the area. The trails are popular among visitors for cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months.

The nearby wilderness areas do not allow motorized vehicles or bicycles. Camping and fishing in the backcountry is allowed, with the proper permits. The Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area to the north of the cabin is closed to all off-trail access between Dec. 2 and May 1.

Facilities:

This one room cabin has electricity and lights as well as two single beds with foam pads, which can accommodate up to two people. In addition to the beds, there is a table with chairs, refrigerator, stove, oven, basic cooking equipment and cleaning supplies.

The cabin has a wood stove for heat and firewood is provided and stacked to the east of the cabin. An outhouse, with vault toilets, is located 150 feet east of the bunkhouse, near the larger cabin. Additional toilets are available at the adjacent campground.

Visitors need to bring their own water; the creek is the only source of water and may be difficult to access during the winter. Sleeping bags and extra blankets are not supplied, and users will need to bring their own food, toilet paper and garbage bags. Garbage and cleaning services are not provided.

Renters must clean the facility prior to departure, as well as replenish the supply of split wood and kindling.

Nearby Attractions:

Bear Creek is approximately 60 miles north of Old Faithful Geyser.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Broom & Dust Pan Cleaning Supplies Climbing Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cross Country Skiing Firewood Hiking Hitching Racks Horse Corrals Horseback Riding Trails	Hunting Lights Mattress Pad(s) Parking Area Refrigerator Snowshoeing Stove Table & Chairs Trailheads Vault Toilets Wood Stove
Less Than 1 Mile
Picnic Area	RV sites

Know Before You Go

This facility is located in a remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)
Visitors must supply their own drinking water; Creek water must be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes
Cell phone coverage is extremely limited
The cabin remains locked; to obtain a key code, call the Madison Ranger District office during office hours
All garbage and food must be packed out
When visiting a cabin, visitors should learn about the potential dangers of exposure to hantavirus
Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed, seed-free
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.15556, -111.55556
45°9'20"N, 111°33'20"W

From Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 miles, to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 6 miles to the cabin. The last several miles is gravel or dirt, which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not always be plowed. Maps may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.