Nevada Creek Cabin — Helena Lewis And Clark National Forest

Overview

This historic one room log cabin is located on National Forest lands along the upper reaches of Nevada Creek, between Avon and Helmville, MT. Thick forests, steep slopes, and wide open ridges define the landscape and visitors can access the adjacent road-less area with trails leading directly from the cabin to multiple destinations, including the Continental Divide. Nevada Creek is a small fish bearing stream with open grassy stream banks and clear running water. Once on public land, the stream is accessible by road or trail for its entire length. In a thick lodgepole pine forest at 5,400 ft. elevation, visitors will be able to find wildlife, huckleberries, scenic views and evidence of a rich mining history right outside the cabins door. The cabin is located a short distance behind a gate and offers excellent opportunities for solitude and exploration. The area is fairly remote and lightly traveled so visitors should prepare accordingly. The cabin has 1 bunk bed, 1 full size bed, a wood stove, propane stove, and propane lights in addition to other standard amenities.

Recreation

Hiking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, berry picking, photography, and exploration are all great recreational activities in this area. Hikers and horse riders can head out from the cabin and connect to the Continental Divide Trail on the Nevada Creek Trail #466 in about 5 miles of gentle terrain. At over 3,000 miles in length, the CDT stretches from Canada to Mexico and is one of the gems of the National Trail System. From the top of the Divide visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the valleys, prairies, and ranges beyond. Other trails in the area include the Prickly-Nevada Trail, Helmville-Gould Trail and Washington Gulch. All trails in the immediate area are non-motorized, please respect travel regulations in the area in order to provide for a non-motorized recreational experience.

Facilities

The Nevada Creek cabin is a single room log cabin with log framed beds, wood stove, propane stove, propane lights, vault toilet and a picnic area. There is a hand pump and well near the cabin for potable water. There is one bunkbed and 1 single bed located in the cabin with mattresses, but guests should plan to bring in bedding or a sleeping bag. A propane stove and lights are available for use. Propane is provided for guests at this facility, but please use the available gas responsibly. Remember to always turn the propane supply off to the cabin when not in use. A shut off valve is located on the interior eastern wall. Dishes, Pots, Pans, Cutlery, and basic kitchen utensils are supplied at the cabin. There are cleaning supplies at the cabin and guests are encouraged to use them in order to keep the facility clean for the next visitors.

Natural Features

The entire area to the North, East, and South is protected as an Inventoried Roadless Area and has thus far escaped large scale development by civilization. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a slice of a largely intact ecosystem in the northern Rocky Mountains. Nevada Creek is corralled on both sides of the drainage by steep slopes thickly covered in an aging lodgepole pine forest interspersed with grassy meadows along the spine of the Continental Divide. The creek offers grassy meadows and willow covered banks with small pools for bathing and cooling off in the hot summer months. The huckleberry and blueberry picking in the area can be excellent. Elk and Deer are common in the area as well and the cabin is ideally situated for a hunting trip.

Nearby Attractions

This is a remote cabin and most attractions in this area are based around outdoor activities. The Nevada Reservoir is nearby and offers a floating opportuinity for small boats.