Established Camping
West Fork Cabin (s Of Ennis)
West Fork Cabin is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, surrounded by forested terrain and mountain views. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Madison River for fishing and the historic Virginia City for exploring local history.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Overview
West Fork Cabin is a small, secluded cabin in the mountains of southwestern Montana, located high in the Gravelly Range. The cabin was built in 1928 as an intermediate station for patrolling grazing allotments. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous trails for hikers, equestrians and off-road vehicle riders during warmer months and snowmobilers in the winter. The cabin is available from July 1 through March 31. It can typically be accessed by vehicle; however, a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Beginning around mid-October, snow may make access very difficult. In winter, over snow vehicles are necessary to reach the cabin, but are only permitted after December 1. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. West Fork Cabin is closed on Wednesdays for administrative purposes, July - November.
Recreation
The cabin is popular year-long, especially during hunting season. In early summer, the cabin is an excellent base camp for viewing the spectacular wildflower displays in Eureka Basin and along the Gravelly Range Road. Snowmobile use is permitted after December 1st. Visitors are encouraged to practice safe snowmobiling techniques (learn more about avalanche danger).Miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, which wind through the mountains and to the 10,542-foot Black Butte, can be accessed near the cabin. Hellroaring trailhead, just a few miles north of the cabin, leads to the extensive network of trails in the backcountry. Off-road vehicles must stay on designated trails at all times in the area.
Natural Features
The cabin is located on the southern end of the Gravelly Range at an elevation of 8,460 feet at the headwaters of the West Fork Madison River. Much of the area around the cabin was burned in the Eureka Fire in 2013. Black Butte, the highest peak in the range and an old volcanic cone, is about 10 miles to the north and can be easlly climbed. The area is home to some of the highest-elevation pronghorn antelope, as well as other wildlife, such as elk, moose and bears ( learn about bear safety ).
Nearby Attractions
Red Rocks National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive south. Historic Virginia City is nearby to the north and Yellowstone National Park is about 60 miles east
Fee Info
Reservation fees are non-refundable within 14 days of scheduled arrival. Any changes in reservation dates may be assessed an additional fee by the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Location
West Fork Cabin (s Of Ennis) is located in Montana
Directions
From Ennis, travel south on Highway 287 for about 30 miles, then head northwest on Standard Creek Road for about 20 miles and 10 miles south on Forest Road 290. The majority of the road to the cabin is gravel and has some long, steep grades, which may require four-wheel drive. The road can be treacherous and impassable if the conditions are wet or snowy, often in mid-October and November. Over snow vehicles are necessary in winter, permissable after December 1. All roads in the Gravelly Range are closed to wheeled motorized use from April 1 through June 30. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Address
5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD
Ennis, MT 59729
Coordinates
44.8038889 N
111.8890306 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
