Wall Creek Cabin
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Located at the east base of the Gravelly Range, Wall Creek Cabin is a small dwelling that gives guests access to prime elk and deer viewing, as access is through a state Wildlife Management Area. It is typically open to the public from mid-May through November, offering ample opportunity to explore southwestern Montana.
Built in about 1930, the rental cabin was originally a crew quarters/warehouse/garage. The compound served as headquarters for the Wall Creek Ranger District, later the Madison District, until the 1940s. There are currently four log buildings at the site, including the small rental cabin, a barn and a main "Ranger" cabin and it's woodshed. The barn and corral and main cabin are used by grazing permit holders. Only the smaller cabin with a small holding corral is available for public use. Though usually quiet, there may be work activity associated with grazing management, with cowboys, horses and dogs living at the site and their days often start early.
The site can easily be reached by vehicle though roads may be muddy or snow covered. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and
must bring several of their own amenities.
The primitive cabin is small, with a single room with an entry room which was formerly the garage. It is equipped with two sets of bunk beds with foam pads and can sleep up to four people.
Other amenities include a 2 burner propane cook stove, propane lantern, table and chairs, cleaning supplies, basic cooking utensils, cooking pots and a wood stove for heat.
Firewood may be stacked against the fence to the west of the cabin, but the firewood supply cannot be guaranteed. Split wood is stored in the box in the porch. A
primitive outhouse with vault toilet is located 100 feet north of the cabin.
The only water that may be available is at a spigot at the horse trough. Primarily for stock use, the water must be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes. Propane is not provided for the cook stove or lantern, so guests will need to bring small disposable propane canisters. There may be minimal cell phone service in the area.
Other items to bring include sleeping bags and pillows, matches, flashlight, food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and food
and clean the cabin before leaving. The firewood supply in the wood box should also be replenished.
Need to Know
- 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)
Water may be available seasonally from a horse trough spigot and must be treated or boiled before using
The cabin remains locked; key code will be available with your paid receipt
- A mandatory food storage order is in effect annually between March 1 and December 1 to ensure all food is properly stored and unavailable to wildlife; please contact the Madison Ranger District for more details
Guests' horses are allowed only within the small holding corral at the southeast corner of the cabin. Horses are not allowed within the cabin fence, the large corral at the barn or grazing within the administrative site. Horses may be picketed ouside of the administrative site, near the Hyde Creek trailhead.
All garbage and food, water, beverages and packaging must be packed out
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
- Rodent poison may be used in the cabin; please take proper precautions with children and pets to avoid ingestion
- Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- 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.
Be aware that this facility is not cleaned between user visits and need your cooperation. Please bring cleaning supplies as renters are required to clean the facility before leaving. We are doing the best we can to keep facilities open and available to the public
Earliest check in time is 3:00 PM and latest check out time is 11: AM
Hunters and hikers may walk through the administrative site to access a non-system trail that leads into a popular hunting area beyond the cabin.
Maximum occupancy is 4 people. Tents or camping units for additional people are not allowed within the administrative site. Dispersed campsites are available about 1/4 mile away.
Natural Features
The cabin is located on the edge of the Madison River Valley and the Gravelly Mountains at an elevation of 6,150 feet. It sits in an open, grassy area backed by
forested slopes.
This is a popular destination for big game hunters and for wildlife lovers who want to view elk in the fall, due to its proximity to the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is also home to deer, moose, antelope and bears (learn more about bear safety).
Nearby Attractions
Yellowstone National Park is about 60 miles southeast. Wade and Cliff lakes are about 30 miles south. The Madison River is a couple miles away and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is just across the valley in the Madison Range.
Recreation
Big game hunting is by far the most popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the cabin. The area and surrounding wilderness is thick with wildlife. Hunters must have appropriate licensure to hunt in the state of Montana, and hunting is only allowed in designated areas. Wildlife viewing is popular, as animals often come near the cabin. Hunters often park and walk through the site to access a trail behind the cabin and barn.
A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the area, as well as trails for off-road vehicles. Motorized trailhead access is about a mile north of the cabin on Bucks Nest and the non-motorized Hyde Creek trail is just north of the administrative site.
Contact Information
Default
5 FOREST SERVICE RD. ENNIS MT 59729
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-682-4253
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Ennis, take US Highway south for about 18 miles to Indian Creek and the McAtee Bridge fishing access
site. Turn right and go nearly 1 mile to junction just beyond bridge. Turn left and travel toward Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area for 2.7 miles to T junction.
Turn left and stay on main road for 2.5 miles, through many twists and curves, to another T junction. Staying on main road, turn left and travel for about 2 miles.
Turn right, through gate, at Wall Creek Station sign, and travel a half mile to another gate. Go through gate, entering the administrative site, and cabin is just beyond. Route is signed once leaving highway. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
