Wall Creek Cabin

Overview

Located at the east base of the Gravelly Range, Wall Creek Cabin is a small dwelling that gives guests access to prime elk and deer viewing, as access is through a state Wildlife Management Area. It is typically open to the public from mid-May through November, offering ample opportunity to explore southwestern Montana. Built in about 1930, the rental cabin was originally a crew quarters/warehouse/garage. The compound served as headquarters for the Wall Creek Ranger District, later the Madison District, until the 1940s. There are currently four log buildings at the site, including the small rental cabin, a barn and a main "Ranger" cabin and it's woodshed. The barn and corral and main cabin are used by grazing permit holders. Only the smaller cabin with a small holding corral is available for public use. Though usually quiet, there may be work activity associated with grazing management, with cowboys, horses and dogs living at the site, and their days often start early. The site can easily be reached by vehicle though roads may be muddy or snow covered. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Big game hunting is by far the most popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the cabin. The area and surrounding wilderness is thick with wildlife. Hunters must have appropriate licensure to hunt in the state of Montana, and hunting is only allowed in designated areas. Wildlife viewing is popular, as animals often come near the cabin. Hunters often park and walk through the site to access a trail behind the cabin and barn. A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the area, as well as trails for off-road vehicles. Motorized trailhead access is about a mile north of the cabin on Bucks Nest and the non-motorized Hyde Creek trail is just north of the administrative site.

Facilities

The primitive cabin is small, with a single room with an entry room which was formerly the garage. It is equipped with two sets of bunk beds with foam pads and can sleep up to four people. Other amenities include a 2 burner propane cook stove, propane lantern, table and chairs, cleaning supplies, basic cooking utensils, cooking pots and a wood stove for heat. Firewood may be stacked against the fence to the west of the cabin, but the firewood supply cannot be guaranteed. Split wood is stored in the box in the porch. A primitive outhouse with vault toilet is located 100 feet north of the cabin. The only water that may be available is at a spigot at the horse trough. Primarily for stock use, the water must be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes. Propane is not provided for the cook stove or lantern, so guests will need to bring small disposable propane canisters. There may be minimal cell phone service in the area. Other items to bring include sleeping bags and pillows, matches, flashlight, food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and foodand clean the cabin before leaving. The firewood supply in the wood box should also be replenished.

Natural Features

The cabin is located on the edge of the Madison River Valley and the Gravelly Mountains at an elevation of 6,150 feet. It sits in an open, grassy area backed by forested slopes. This is a popular destination for big game hunters and for wildlife lovers who want to view elk in the fall, due to its proximity to the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is also home to deer, moose, antelope and bears (learn more about bear safety).

Nearby Attractions

Yellowstone National Park is about 60 miles southeast. Wade and Cliff lakes are about 30 miles south. The Madison River is a couple miles away and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is just across the valley in the Madison Range.