Overview

Notch Cabin is located in a remote part of southwestern Montana, within proposed wilderness, and is open from July 1 through November. It is somewhat difficult to access, but worth the trouble for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape is thick with sage and grasslands, transitioning to timbered slopes that are home to a full variety of 

wildlife. The original cabin burned to the ground in 2019 and a replacement, following the design of the original cabin, was built by Forest Service crews in the summers of 2024 - 2026. The 12' x 16' cabin accommodates 2 people. A high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access the cabin, which is located near the end of a very rough primitive road, with large rocks and deep ruts. The road may be impassable when wet. Motorized travel off of the designated route is not permitted. The cabin offers some basic amenities. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring most of their own supplies and gear.

Facilities

The cabin is equipped with a set of bunk beds with foam pads that sleep up to two people, a propane cook stove, basic cooking utensils, a propane lantern, wood heat stove, broom, dustpan and basic cleaning supplies. Firewood is provided, stacked under the trees behind the cabin. A primitive outhouse is located 100 feet west of the cabin. Water is available only from the stream and should be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes. It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking and washing. Fuel (propane) is not provided for the cook stove or lantern. Guests must supply their own small propane canisters. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, matches, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is limited cell phone service available in the area. Guests should replenish the supply of split wood and kindling, pack out all trash and food, and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The cabin is situated at an elevation of 8,470 feet in a notch between Olson Peak and Hogback Mountain, almost on the divide of the Snowcrest Range. The meadow between the peaks is only a couple hundred yards wide. A small stream runs less than 100 feet in front of the cabin. The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area is nearby, which is an important elk and big game winter range that spans more than 28,000 acres in southwestern Montana. In addition to elk, the range is home to antelope, mule deer, upland birds and a growing population of grizzly bears (learn more about bear safety). Black bears and moose sometimes wander through the cabin site.

Recreation

In addition to big game hunting, visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking and horseback riding in the area. While no Forest Service trails are within the immediate vicinity of the cabin, the Snowcrest Trail is within a mile. It covers the entire range, providing panoramic views of the area. The 40-mile trail can serve as a hearty horseback riding adventure, a lengthy backpacking trip, or make for several day trips. The nearby seasonal mountain streams offer access to fishing. Anglers can enjoy a possible catch of cutthroat trout, among other species. Rock Creel Lake, with fishing opportunities, is only a few miles away. The wildlife management area is good for hunting but also offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat. Due to the high elevation and short growing season, supplemental feed (certified weed-free) should be brought in for recreational livestock . No pasture or corral is available. The final two miles of the access road to the cabin are not suitable for horse trailers.

Important Notices

• This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)

• 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; take appropriate caution to prevent ingestion by children and pets

• A mandatory food storage order is in effect between March 1 and December 1 annually to ensure food is properly stored away from wildlife; contact the Madison RangerDistrict for more details

• Potable water is not available

• The cabin remains locked; the key code is provided with your reservation receipt.

• Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed-free

• All garbage and food must be packed out. If it came with you, it should leave with you.

• 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.

• Maximum occupancy is two people. Additional people or camping units are not permitted within the administrative site

• A high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary to reach the cabin. The natural surface road has many large rocks jutting out and becomes nearly impassable when wet. Driving off the designated road is prohibited.

Available Activities

• WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
• HUNTING - Hunting
• HIKING - Hiking
• CAMPING - Camping

Directions

<p>Notch Cabin is about 62 miles from Ennis, Montana. The final 28 miles are gravel, dirt or primitive two-track. From Ennis, take Montana Highway 287 west for 23 miles to Alder. At Alder, turn south toward Ruby Reservoir (County 248) and travel 21 miles. Turn right on Ledford Creek Road (County 50) and travel southwest for 3 miles to signed junction. Turn right onto Robb Creek road and after about 4.5 miles, you'll enter the Robb-Ledford WMA. Continue for 0.5 mile to junction, turn right and travel for 5 miles. At that point, the Springbrook road joins in from the west. Continue south toward the mountains and cross Robb Creek after about 3.5 miles. One half mile farther, you'll reach the Forest boundary, then another mile to the cabin. The route is signed at the junctions. Driving time from Ennis is about 2.5 hours, with the last 9 miles taking over an hour. </p><p>As an alternative route, travel south from Alder for 14 miles and turn onto Sweetwater Road toward Dillon. Travel almost 9 miles and turn left onto Springbrook Road. This 2-track road will connect with the Robb Creek Road after about 12 miles. Follow Robb Creek directions from there. This route is not signed, other than the Springbrook/Sweetwater junction and there will be gates to open and close. See Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South map for details.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 406-682-4253

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip