Mystic Lake Cabin
MYSTIC LAKE CABIN
Part of Custer Gallatin National Forest
Overview
Mystic Lake Cabin was built in 1930 and is currently open year-round. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting and exploration of numerous trails. The cabin is located in a non-motorized area. Guests must be prepared to hike, horseback ride or mountain bike to get there in the summer, and winter access is by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Facilities
The cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. A wood-burning cook stove also heats the cabin. Other amenities include a table with chairs, basic cookware, dishes and tableware. Firewood is supplied for the stove. Outside is a campfire ring and a corral for up to two horses. An outhouse is equipped with a vault toilet. No electricity or water is available at the cabin. Guests need to bring their own supply of drinking water, as well as items such as fire starters (matches and newspaper), flashlights or lanterns, bedding, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies and dish soap, which are also not provided The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.Natural Features
The cabin is tucked into a stand of pines near the southeastern shore of Mystic Lake, at an elevation of about 6,400 feet. The landscape surrounding Mystic Lake includes meadows that fill with wildflowers in the summer, as well as evergreen forest and the peaks of the Gallatin Range. Visitors may spot one of the resident black or grizzly bears, moose, elk or mule deer. Several bird species also inhabit the area.Recreation
New World Gulch Trail and Bozeman Creek Trail are just a couple of the multi-use trails in the area for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, skiers and snowshoers. The Mystic Lake Loop is popular with mountain bikers. Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Mystic Lake. Hunting opportunities are good in the fall.Important Notices
- The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter/email
Directions and Access: Mystic Lake Cabin is not accessible by motorized equipment including E-bikes. (See below and refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map)
From Bozeman, MT.: Drive south on S. 19th Ave. for 5.1 miles to Nash Rd. Turn left (east) onto Nash Rd. Drive 1.7 miles to Sourdough Canyon Road, turn right (south), and drive for 0.9 miles to the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead.
From the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead travel south on Trail 454. At mile 5 just before the bridge you have two options: 1. Before the bridge turn left onto the Mystic Lake Trail 457. Follow this single track trail approximately 2.8 miles to Mystic Lake. Cross the outlet of the lake to find the cabin up the hill on the south end of the lake. 2. Cross the bridge and go left at the junction to stay on Trail 454. Travel this old roadbed for another 5 miles to the cabin (this is the recommended winter route). In the winter, Trail 454 is a groomed cross-country ski trail and is closed to all bicycles and wheeled vehicles.
Many stock users prefer accessing Mystic Lake cabin via the New World Gulch trailhead at the end of the Bear Canyon Road. From the trailhead follow New World Gulch Trail 50 ~4.5 mi. to Mystic Lake Cutoff Trail 430. Turn Right onto Trail 430 and continue 0.75 mi. to Bear Lakes Trail #53. Make a right and continue another 0.5 mi. to trail 454, where another right will take you down two wide, vehicle width switch-backs to the cabin within 0.25 mi. This route tends to have less bicycle traffic than the sourdough route, though they may still be present.
ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map) All trails mentioned here including Trail 454, Trail 457, Trail 50, Trail 430, and Trail 53 are Closed to all motorized use, including E-bikes.
Refunds will not be issued for weather related issues, including weather related accessibility issues. It is your responsibility to think ahead and plan appropriately.
Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use
Please be aware; this facility is not cleaned between every user visit. Visitors are advised to clean high-touch surfaces upon arrival and prior to departure. Cleaning supplies will not be provided, so it is recommended that guests bring their own.
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings. No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and belongings. Do not leave food, oil, tea, coffee, or canned items in the cabin.
Bears frequent the area; guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest (Click here for more information)
Provided firewood is for indoor use only for indoor heating and cooking. Cabin users will bring or gather firewood for outdoor use. Provision of firewood is difficult at all times of year and impossible during the winter months.
Burning of Wood Pallets is prohibited.
Campfires must be contained within the fire ring adjacent to the facility; no other campfires are authorized.
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.
Candles are not permitted inside the cabin
Federal regulations prohibit firing a gun or use of any other weapon in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged; violators will be prosecuted
A small corral is present, otherwise stock is not permitted within 100 yards of the cabin.
Pets not recommended; solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin
Click here for more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BIKING - Mountain Biking
Contact Information
Phone: 406-522-2520
MT
