Savenac West Cottage
SAVENAC WEST COTTAGE
Part of Lolo National Forest
Overview
Savenac West Cottage provides a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping quarters for a family or small group of four people at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nursery in the West. The cottage offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.Facilities
Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Follow the cleaning instructions posted in the kitchen. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facility.
The cottage has two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, as well as a living room. It has one queen bed with mattress and two twin beds with mattresses that can sleep up to four people. The kitchen is equipped with an electric cook stove, a microwave, refrigerator and assorted cooking utensils and dishes for eating. The facility has running hot and cold water, flush toilets and a shower.
Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, toilet paper and other necessities.
The cottage is available year-round, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle, however, in the winter four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Guests to the facility are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
The cottage is a locked facility. A key code will be sent in the reservation confirmation email. The key code will unlock the lock box located in the entry way of the cottage. The lock box holds the key to the front door. Please return the key to the lock box before leaving the facility.
Natural Features
The cottage is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations, which were concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The cottage was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation. The facilities are close to the Idaho border in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.
Recreation
A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.Nearby Attractions
The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.Important Notices
- Visitors should be aware of avalanche danger in the surrounding area.
All garbage, food and personal belongings must be packed out. On-site dumpsters are available for cabin rental users.
- Smoking and pets are prohibited inside the cottage.
- Before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety.
- Learn more about the Lolo National Forest at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo
- 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.
- In the winter months, four-wheel drive is recommended.
The maximum stay limit is 5 nights per reservation.
Notifications and Alerts
The Savenac Historic Tree Nursery will be closed for construction from 05/16/2026 through 06/15/2026. The facility will be under major renovation using Great American Outdoor Act funds. The Visitor Center and Self-Guided Tours will also be closed during this time.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
- BIKING - Mountain Biking
Directions
<p>Traveling on Interstate 90 take Exit 16 at Haugan, Montana. At the stop sign head north to the frontage road. At the frontage road turn right and take the first left, crossing the cattle guard. Signs are onsite to follow. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 406-822-4233
PO Box 460Superior Ranger District
209 Riverside Ave W.
SUPERIOR, MT 59872 Savenac Historic Tree Nursery
Haugan, MT 59842
