Hells Canyon Guard Station

The log cabin at Hells Canyon Guard Station overlooks Hells Canyon Creek from a riparian meadow of sagebrush and tall grasses. It sits in the Highland Mountains of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, about 30 miles southwest of Whitehall. The way in leaves Montana Highway 55 just before the Jefferson River and runs west about 14 miles on dirt as Forest Service Road 125, Hell’s Canyon Road. The door stays locked, and the Butte Ranger District gives out the key code during office hours.

Inside are a wood stove for heat and cooking, a Coleman propane cooktop, a propane lantern, and a table and chairs. Recreation.gov says basic pots, pans, and utensils should be on hand. The sources describe the sleeping quarters differently. The Forest Service writes of one loft bedroom that sleeps four. Recreation.gov describes a large single room with bunk beds for up to four. There is no electricity, and cell service is rare or nonexistent. Guests bring their own bedding, matches, food, and propane in 16-ounce canisters.

Outside are an outhouse with a vault toilet, horse facilities, and a hand pump. The sources part on water as well. The Forest Service page says potable water is not available. Recreation.gov says the pump gives drinking water in summer, but in winter the water is untested and should be boiled five minutes. Firewood is available, “but not always guaranteed.”

The cabin is open year-round. In fall, hunters use it as a base camp for elk and deer, and upland game birds range the same country. Shooting is not permitted around the cabin. In summer, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and anglers come to the creek. Winter access depends on the snow. Guests may have to hike, ski, or snowmobile in, and they are told to carry a beacon, shovel, and probe against avalanche danger.

The cabin went up in 1906 as a line cabin for ranchers. In 1910 it was donated to the Forest Service, which used it as a guard station. The agency now offers it to the public, with a 16-day stay limit. Each party must clean the cabin and pack out all garbage and food before leaving.