Established Camping
Magruder Rangers House
Magruder Rangers House is located in the Bitterroot National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Bitterroot National Forest
Overview
Magruder Rangers House is one of seven buildings still used by Forest Service trail crews and wilderness rangers, but it is open to the public through parts of the year. It provides visitors with access to two designated wilderness areas, plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration and a comfortably equipped place to stay.
Recreation
Hunting, fishing and hiking are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The adjacent Scenic and Wild Selway River and a variety of nearby mountain streams are well known for trout fishing. Anglers might see bullhead, rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat trout, as well as mountain whitefish. There are a variety of trails that traverse the area, including the 11-mile Swet Creek Trail. It follows a creek bed and connects to other trails in the area. It is open to hiking and horseback riding. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries but is allowed on roads.
Natural Features
The house is located on the Selway River, between the 1.2-million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. It was once the residence of the district ranger and his family. Most of the area is covered by coniferous forests, with open meadows near the river. Because of its size, the wilderness provides a secluded habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Populations of mountain lions and grey wolves live in the area, as well as coyote, fox, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, deer and black bears (learn about outdoor safety).
Nearby Attractions
The adjacent Magruder Road provides drivers with a unique experience in the back country of Idaho. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and remains much the same now as it did then. It continues to the Nez Perce Pass and is generally open in early June.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 821-3269.
Fee Info
The cabin rental fee is $100 per night, for up to four consecutive nights. No Golden Age/Access discounts apply at this site. The cabin can be reserved up to 180 days in advance.
Location
Magruder Rangers House is located in Montana
Directions
From Darby, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for 4 miles to West Fork Road/Highway 473. Continue on this road for approximately 14 miles to the Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468 and go another 34 miles on the one-lane gravel, and partially paved road. Just before Deep Creek meets up with the Selway River, turn south at a stone bridge that crosses the creek and continue .5 mile to the rental cabin. High- clearance vehicles are advised on the road from the Montana from June through September. Snow may fall in the high country and along Nez Perce Pass in the fall and roads are not plowed. Maps may be purchased by stoping at the West Fork Ranger District. \_\_From Elk City, Idaho to Magruder along road #468 to Magruder is generally not passable by vehicles until mid to late July, but call the West Fork Ranger District at (406)821-3269 to inquire if the road is open and ask about the current road conditions.
Address
WEST FORK RANGER DISTRICT
6735 WEST FORK ROAD
Darby, MT 59829
Coordinates
45.7022222 N
114.7166667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
