Little Bear Cabin
LITTLE BEAR CABIN
Part of Custer Gallatin National Forest
Overview
Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and still looks much the same as it did back then. It is available year-round for recreationists, as well as for those who seek a quiet mountain retreat. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer and fall (June 16th - December 31st) weather and snow conditions permitting, but winter access requires snowmobiling or skiing 10 miles from the paved road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Facilities
The cabin has a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, each with mattresses, to sleep up to four people. There is a wood cook stove which provides some heat, but it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. A table with chairs, broom,dustpan and snow shovel are provided. A campfire ring and outhouse with vault toilet are located outside the cabin.Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as fire starters (matches and newspaper), bedding, dish soap, flashlights or lanterns and extra toilet paper, among other necessities. The cabin must be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.Natural Features
The cabin sits atop a grassy knoll on a small ridge near the north end of the Gallatin Range, offering views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range. Stands of mixed conifer surround the cabin. Wildlife in the surrounding area includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and Canada lynx. Birders may see a wide variety of bird species.Recreation
Several multi-use trails and roads crisscross the area, ideal for motorcycle and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking and hiking. Winter activities include snowshoeing,snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The area surrounding the cabin is popular with hunters 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: Access to Little Bear Cabin is affected by seasonal road closures. (See below and refer to Motor Vehicle Use Map)
From Bozeman, MT: Drive west towards Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone on US Highway 191 for 14 miles to Little Bear Road which is on the left (east) side of Highway 191. This road turns into Forest Service Road 980.
Summer, June 16 to December 31: Drive 5.2 miles on the Little Bear Road. Turn right onto Wilson Creek Divide Road FS 3138 and travel for approximately 6 more miles. The gate to the cabin will be on the right (north). The cabin combination will open the gate. Please close the gate behind you. The Cabin is about 8.5 miles from the Forest service gate on FS Rd # 980.
Winter, December 31 to June 16: Turn onto the Little Brar Rd. from Hwy 191 and park at or before the gate 3 to 5 miles from Highway 191 (depending on snow conditions). ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map ) Little Bear Road FS 980 is closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles from January 1st through June 15 beginning at the 2.7 mile gate (5 miles from Highway 191). Routes are open to snowmobiles in the winter but not tracked ATVs or UTVs. All wheeled motor vehicles must park to the side of the road before reaching the gate. Please do not block the gate. This is a groomed multi-use winter trail. Please obey traffic rules. Ride on the right side of the trail and ride with caution. Snowmobiles and bicycles must purchase a winter trail grooming pass to travel on groomed snowmobile routes. Contact Montana, Fish Wildlife and Parks for details.
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; please bring your own supply. Water from local sources should be treated prior to consumption.
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.
Hantavirus notice: 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 belongings. Do not leave food, oil, tea, coffee, or canned items in the cabin.
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
Horses are not allowed within 100 yards of cabin. Hay and feed must be certified weed-free
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 - Winter Sports
- Hunting - Hunting
- Hiking - Hiking
- Camping - Camping
- Biking - Biking
- Off Road Vehicle Trails - Off Road Vehicle Trails
Contact Information
Phone: 406-522-2520
3710 FALLON STSUITE C
BOZEMAN, MT 59718
