Porcupine Cabin
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet. It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were patrolling for timber poachers, watching for fires and monitoring livestock. Today, it is available year-round to outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to a variety of activities.
Guests can drive to the cabin in the summer, but a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to road conditions. Winter access requires snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling up to 2 miles from the end of the maintained gravel road.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The 26 x 44 frame house has three rooms and a screened front porch. It has bunk beds with mattresses to accommodate up to eight people. It has a table and chairs, some cleaning equipment and a propane lantern available for use. A wood stove is available to heat the cabin.
FIREWOOD IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD OR GATHER FROM FOREST DURING SUMMER.
DO NOT BURN PROVIDED FIREWOOD FOR OUTDOOR FIRES, EVER, AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. Firewood is available for indoor use during winter as long as supplies last. An axe and splitting maul should be available.
An outhouse with vault toilet is located behind the cabin. A campfire ring is out front. (Please bring wood to burn outside).
Water, electricity and propane canisters for the lantern are not provided. Guests need to bring their own drinking water, cooking gear and food, bedding, fire starters (matches and newspaper), extra toilet paper, flashlights, first aid kit, cookware, dishes and utensils, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash carried out.
Equestrian trails are located nearby, and a small pasture near the barn is available for cabin renter's stock. Please be aware that the pasture fence may not be secure. Stock is not allowed near the cabin or inside the cabin fence.
Need to Know
- 5 night maximum stay limit
- The cabin remains locked; guests must CHECK their confirmation letter for the cabin combination.
- ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.
- Water is not available at the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use to prevent Giardia
- A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access the cabin
- Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area
- Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest (Click here for more information)
- Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people
- No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings
- No liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch
- Please collect your own firewood for campfires
A small pasture by the barn is provided but stock users must use their own containment system. Fence may not be secure. Hay and feed for stock must be certified weed-free. Out of state horses must have current Coggins test. No stock is allowed near cabin nor inside cabin fence.
Within the Yellowstone Ranger District, refunds for weather or accessibility issues on the day of arrival or later will not be considered. Refunds will also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors.
- The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by USFS Regulations
- Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed within 150 yards of the cabin
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to Hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here for more information
- Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest
- Please call the Livingston office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892, during business hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, for current weather conditions/alerts, information and questions about the cabin.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin sits on a hillside overlooking the grasslands of Shields Valley. This vantage point provides a majestic view of the Bridger Mountains and spectacular star gazing on a clear night. Guests can look out at the northern peaks of the Crazies from the front porch. Porcupine Cabin offers a quiet and fairly isolated retreat, however, there may be some passing traffic from recreational users accessing the nearby trailhead. Deer, moose, bears and elk may be spotted nearby. Several bird species that inhabit this area include bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds.
Recreation
Guests can access the nearby trailhead for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, heading east into the Crazy Mountains. The trails are used by snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter.
Contact Information
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5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH LIVINGSTON MT 59047
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-222-1892
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Livingston, Montana, travel north on Highway 89 to Wilsall. Just north of Wilsall, turn northeast onto Shields River Road. Continue 8 miles to Porcupine Road, turn east (right) and then drive another 8 miles to the cabin. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to the road condition.
During the winter, the last two miles of the road to the cabin are not plowed. Skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles are required to reach the cabin.
