Facility Details - WEST BRIDGER CABIN, MT

Overview

West Bridger Cabin is open-year round for the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts. Guests have access to a variety of recreational activities in a beautiful, peaceful mountain setting.

The cabin in generally accessible by car, but spring and winter road conditions may limit access. Snow conditions can preclude wheeled vehicles for up to the last mile to the cabin in the winter.

The cabin features an electric cooking stove and lights, but other amenities are limited. Guests will need to bring some of their own gear and supplies.

Natural Features:

West Bridger Cabin is nestled in a valley along West Bridger Creek. It sits at an altitude of 4,847 feet in a clearing surrounded by the Beartooth Mountains, some of which are densely forested with evergreens, while others have sparse vegetation.

This area is home to moose, mule deer, elk and grizzly bear. Birders may spot bald eagles, owls, Stellar's jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds.

Recreation:

Hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails and roads heading west from the cabin ascend into the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains and dip into the Deer Creek valley. The 8-mile Derby Mountain Trail starts at the cabin and takes hikers around the east side of Derby Mountain, ending at Arch Rock.

Casual anglers may catch a fish in West Bridger Creek. In-season, big game hunting in designated areas is also a popular pastime.

Facilities:

This two-room cabin accommodates four people on single beds with mattresses. It has an electric stove and lights, a table with chairs, cookware, dinnerware, utensils, some cleaning gear, an axe, a bucket and a shovel. A wood-burning stove is provided for heat along with firewood, which is not available in July and August.

There is a campfire ring and a vault toilet outside. Firewood is provided for use in the wood heating stove only. Guests must bring their own wood or collect wood from the nearby forest for campfires. Livestock may be kept at the small corral and fenced pasture, and hitching rails are also available.

The cabin does not have water. Guests must either bring their own drinking water or treat water from the nearby creek.

Garbage bags are needed to pack out trash, and guests are expected to clean the cabin and corral (if used) before leaving. Other items to pack include a flashlight, bedding, cookware, dishes, utensils, newspaper, matches, toilet paper and a first aid kit.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Axe Bucket & Shovel Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cleaning Equipment Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Corrals Creek Access Cross Country Skiing Electric Stove Electricity	Fenced Pastures Firewood Fishing Hiking Hitching Racks Horseback Riding Trails Hunting Lights Parking Area Table & Chairs Trails Vault Toilets Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

Renters must call for the cabin combination at the Big Timber Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District (406) 932-5155 (business hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-noon and 12:30-4:30 MST) within a week of rental date
Cabin, woodshed and gate are locked with combination locks; be sure to have combination
The cabin is accessible by car year-round, though a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Spring and winter road conditions may limit access. Snow conditions can preclude wheeled vehicle for up to the last mile to the cabin in the winter. Be sure to call the Forest Service at (406) 932-5155 for latest conditions
Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use to prevent Giardia
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 liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch
No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all that you pack in
Please clean cabin before leaving and be sure to remove all food
Hay and feed for stock must be certified weed-free
Out of state horses must have a current Coggins test
Please collect your own firewood for campfires
Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed: within 150 yards of the of the cabin
The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by US Forest Service regulations
Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.62722, -109.8275
45°37'38"N, 109°49'39"W

From Big Timber, Montana, travel 14 miles east on Interstate Highway 90 to exit 384 (Bridger Creek). From the stop sign, travel south for 8.2 miles to the junction of Main Bridger with West Bridger Creek Road. Turn right and continue on West Bridger Road for 2.2 miles to the junction of West Bridger with Derby Gulch. Stay right on West Bridger Road for 0.7 miles. On the south side (left) of the road, at the turn off to the cabin, is a reflective sign (white numbers on a green background) 291. The wire mesh gate on the left side of the road has 3 locks (interlocking) on it - please re-lock the gate the same way. The driveway to the cabin is approximately 0.2 miles.

Accessibility is generally good. It is advisable to call the Big Timber Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District for local road condition information.