Savenac Cookhouse

Overview

Savenac Cookhouse provides cooking and eating accommodations for large groups staying 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 nurseries in the West. The cookhouse can seat up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities. In addition, the cookhouse can sleep up to 9 people downstairs.

Recreation

A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the cookhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available at the site to give visitors a 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 nearby 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.

Natural Features

The cookhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery, which was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service. Nursery operations concluded in 1969 and now the site is open to the public for recreation. The cookhouse 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.

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.