Overview

Woods Cabin offers a unique chance to camp in the forest, in a rustic, old-time setting, while enjoying all the summer and winter activities that are available from the shore of scenic Lake Como.

The cabin provides a comfortable experience and spectacular views, with its large windows and decks overlooking the lake and nearby mountain peaks. It also provides access to the lake and a nearby beach and gives visitors access to a myriad of trails and open spaces.

Natural Features:

The cabin is located along the north shore of 913-acre Lake Como in the central Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. It is situated at an elevation of 4,245 feet and is primarily used for meetings, workshops and retreats, as it can accommodate a larger group of people. The cabin is more than 60 years old and accommodations are rustic.

A variety of wildlife and birds can be seen from the cabin and its surroundings. Osprey, bald eagles, deer, moose, elk and bears make their home in the area (learn about outdoor safety).

Recreation:

Boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports are popular on Lake Como. Anglers might see rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as kokanee salmon, among other alpine species. A boat ramp and parking area are available at the south side of the lake. A large, sandy beach is available to visitors at the lake.

To the west of the cabin, a short walk will take visitors to a trailhead that begins a 7-mile loop trail around Lake Como. The Lake Como National Recreation Loop Trail is suitable for hiking, mountain biking and accessing the lake for swimming or picnics. The first quarter-mile of the trail is wheelchair accessible and the trail also crosses Rock Creek at one point.

Approximately 3 miles from the cabin, at the west end of the lake, is a magnificent waterfall that cascades over fern-covered rock cliffs. A trail continues from the waterfall, or heads west up Rock Creek, into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area.

Winter activities include groomed cross-country ski trails located on the south side of Lake Como, beginning at the boat launch parking area. Other outdoor activities in the area include ice fishing on Lake Como and snowshoeing around the lake.

Facilities:

The rustic cabin has three bedrooms, a living area and a kitchen. It has beds that can accommodate up to 12 people (double bunk beds with mattresses). The main living area offers a table and chairs, and both a fireplace and separate wood stove for heating, as well as a propane lantern for light. The bedrooms do not have propane lights; guests are advised to bring additional flashlights or lanterns for lighting. A propane stove, counter and cupboard space are available in the kitchen. An oven is available, but is not always reliable. The kitchen also includes basic supplies such as plates, bowls, utensils and some pots and pans.

Firewood and propane fuel are provided. Running cold water is available during the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day (water is not available during winter months). An outdoor vault toilet is accessible. Pets are not allowed at the facility.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, towels, soap, matches, garbage bags and food, among other necessities. Guests are required to pack out all trash and clean the cabin prior to leaving. Basic cleaning equipment is provided.

During the summer, the cabin can be accessed by vehicle.

The cabin is also available for use during the winter. After Labor Day and up until Memorial Day, water is not available. Guests must provide their own water. Guests may have to shovel out snow in front of the door in order access cabin. The road is not plowed to Woods Cabin, but is maintained and plowed to the boat launch parking area. Be prepared to park at the boat launch and walk, ski, or snowshoe across the dam and up the road to Woods Cabin. During low snowfall, guests may be able to either park at the beach or the parking lot above Woods Cabin (vehicles are not allowed to drive down to the cabin).

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.