The Helena National Forest offers seven administrative cabins to the public for recreational use. The cabins were built in the early 1900s through the 40s to provide field quarters for forest rangers and crews who worked trails, fire, range, and forestry projects. The crews frequently lived in the cabins for an entire season. After a full day's work, the crew would return to their cabins for domestic chores; they would feed the horses, fetch water, start a fire in the cookstove, split wood, fill the lanterns with oil, cook their suppers and wash dishes. In the evenings, they might read, write in their diaries, or play a game of cards.
Today, better roads and transportation have reduced the need for forest crews to live in cabins. Although they are still used, they are no longer the centers of activity they were in previous years. They are still an important part of Forest Service history, but now play a new role, serving a unique opportunity for adventures in the outdoors.
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The cabins are equipped with wood stoves, tables and chairs, beds with mattresses, an axe, shovel, bucket, and cleaning gear. Permits are issued on a "first come—first serve" basis to anyone 18 years or older. Individual use will generally be limited to five consecutive nights. Make reservations at the district office which administers the cabin.
As you prepare for your adventure, please take the time to plan carefully. Any trip into the backcountry has inherent risks associated with travelling and staying in isolated areas. Please read the information provided to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. We ask each user to clean up before you leave. In fact, we would ask you to leave the cabin cleaner than you may have found it. Only through your cooperation will we be able to continue the availability of this unique recreational experience. Please let us know how we can improve our services to you.
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