Facility Details - SAVENAC COOKHOUSE, MT

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.

Natural Features:

The cookhouse is one of three buildings 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 Bitterroot Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.

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 Hiawatha rail 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 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 commercial-grade, large stove with grills and double ovens. It has a microwave oven, assorted cooking utensils and dishes and tableware for 25 to 30 people. The facility also has a dishwasher, two refrigerators and a walk-in freezer. A dining area has tables and chairs that can seat 25 to 30 people.

Guests will need to bring their own food and supplies as well as ice and any additional equipment that is needed. The facility will need to be cleaned before guests leave.

The cookhouse is available year-round, 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, and must bring some of their own amenities.

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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Campfire Circles Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cross Country Skiing Drinking Water Fishing Flush Toilets Gift Shop Grills Group Camping Group Cooking Facilities Hiking Historic Sites Horseshoe Pit Interpretive Trails Mattress Mattress Pad(s) Mountain Biking	Parking Area Pay Phone Picnic Area Propane & Cooking Stove Propane Stove RV Parking Restaurant Showers Skiing Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Tables Trailheads Trash Collection Visitor Center Volleyball Courts Walk-in Freezer Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Accessible Flush Toilets Berry Picking Birding General Store	Hunting RV sites River Access

Know Before You Go

Visitors should be aware of avalanche danger in the area
All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out
Smoking and pets are prohibited inside the cookhouse
The cookhouse remains locked; a week before your scheduled arrival, contact the Superior Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code
Before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety, including avalanche danger
Learn more about the Lolo National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
47.38556, -115.39556
47°23'8"N, 115°23'44"W

From Missoula, travel west on Interstate 90 for 90 miles, to Haugan (exit 16). Follow signs to the site. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.