Indian Meadows Guard Station
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Indian Meadows Guard Station is located near the Copper Bowls snowmobile area and the Scapegoat Wilderness, offering exceptional opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized winter enthusiasts. The cabin is available for rent from December 1st to March 31st each year. Miles of Groomed snowmobile trails and renowned off trail riding in the nearby Copper Bowls are right out the door from this cabin. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore the quiet of the Scapegoat Wilderness to the north with several trails and endless acres of cross-country terrain. Visitors will enjoy a very remote experience as this cabin’s location is not well travelled in the winter months. Consequently, visitors should come well equipped and well prepared to travel the approximately 8 miles over snow to this remote outpost.
The cabin is approximately 5,500 ft. in elevation and sits within sight of the tallest peak in the greater Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, the 9,411 ft. Red Mtn. Wildlife abounds in this area in the summer months, but it is noticeably quieter in the winter months when this cabin is available for rent. Visitors will still have good opportunities to track wildlife in this area, such as Canadian Lynx, Wolverines, Fox, Wolves, snowshoe hare, among others.
The Guard Station is a 2 story log cabin that was built in the 1990s. It is still used by Forest Service Crews in the summer months and is well equipped with many of the basic necessities. There are 2 sets of bunkbeds and 2 single beds located in the upstairs loft, but guests should plan to bring in bedding or a sleeping bag. Some blankets and pillows are provided. A propane stove and lights are available for use. Propane is provided for guests at this facility, but please use the available gas responsibly as resupply is logistically challenging in the winter months. Dishes, Pots, Pans, Cutlery, and basic kitchen tools are supplied at the cabin. There are cleaning supplies at the cabin and guests are encouraged to use them in order to keep the facility clean for the next visitors. Water is usually available from the hand pump outside the cabin, but in rare circumstances it may freeze. In these cases there is always plenty of snow to melt however!
Need to Know
This cabin is a winter only rental. Visitors should be prepared to travel over snow for approximately 8 miles to the cabin. Early season conditions may permit visitors to drive in part, or all of the way to the cabin. Close attention should be paid to incoming storm systems as vehicles may become trapped by sudden heavy snowfall.
This cabin is in a remote location. There is no cell service or power at the Guard Station. It is recommended that visitors bring a sattelite communication device in case of an emergency.
Heavy snow accumulations and steep exposed slopes are common in this area. It is recommended that visitors be prepared for avalanche conditions by obtaining avalanche training and safety equipment.
Temperatures regularly fall below 0 degrees at this location. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing and supplies and prepare for harsh winter conditions.
Snowmobilers should follow area closures in the immediate area surrounding the cabin. Violation of area closures for snowmobiles may result in the cabin no longer being available to the public. Visitors should refer to the Over Snow Motor Vehicle Use Map published by the USFS for current closure information. This map is availble for free at the Lincoln Ranger station.
The Cabin is used for summer pasture for the District's pack string. Fences around the cabin may be obscured by snow. Snowmobilers should excersise caution when travelling off trail in the area around the cabin.
Natural Features
This cabin is located with sight of both the impressive bulk of Red Mountain to the west and the jagged spine of the Continental Divide to the east. Over a million acres of undeveloped Designated Wilderness lies to the North where the lake filled Scapegoat Wilderness ties in to the larger Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. There are many miles of ridges, creeks, lakes, and trails to explore. The steep slopes and abundant snowfall make for a scenic backdrop, but visitors should be aware that they also present a considerable danger of avalanche conditions.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Lincoln is about 20 miles of groomed snowmobile trail away and offers several options for eateries and local shops. Visitors can also ski or walk through the Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture Park on groomed trails, or visit the High Country Jerky store for delicious snacks and interesting items. Lincoln hosts the Race to the Sky dogsledding race in February and a Ski-joring event that usually takes place in January of each year.
Recreation
Recreation activities are primarily winter based at this location. Snowmobiling, Cross-country Skiing, Back Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing are the primary activities for visitors. Snowmobiling is prohibited in most of the area to the North and East of the Cabin. The Copper Creek Road is regularly groomed by the local snowmobile club and it provides access to the popular Copper Bowls at the base of Red Mountain. The groomed network of trails also extends to the South and access the town of Lincoln via the Sucker Cr. Road #1800.
In early season visitors may find that they can hike on the nearby Mainline Trail #480 and the Landers Fork Trail #438 with relatively little snow cover. Heart Lake is located approximately 5 miles from the cabin on the Mainline Trail. The lake has strong populations of West slope Cutthroat trout and Arctic Grayling. The Landers fork and Copper Creek are also nearby streams with strong trout populations.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Lincoln Ranger Station 1569 HWY 200 Lincoln MT 59639
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406 362 7000
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Lincoln Mt., visitors will travel approximately 5 miles East on Hwy 200 to the Copper Creek Road #330. The snowmobile Trailhead is located approximately 2 miles North on Copper Creek Road #330 and is located on the west (left) side of the road. There is ample parking here for trailers and vehicles. The trailhead is plowed and maintained by the local snowmobile club. Most visitors will park here and proceed over snow for the remaining 8 miles to the cabin. In early December it may be possible to drive further in on Copper Cr. Road towards the cabin. Visitors can follow the below directions in their vehicle in the event that the area is accessible due to lack of snow, but visitors should obey posted closures and pay close attention to weather forecasts to avoid becoming snowed in at the cabin with their vehicle.
From the Copper Creek TH visitors can snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe to the cabin. The majority of the route is on marked, groomed snowmobile trails. From the TH visitors will head North East on the Copper Creek Rd #330, known as Snowmobile Trail #4 in the winter months. Proceed on Trail #4 for approximately 6 miles to the jct. with the Indian Meadows Road #1882. This is the end of the regularly groomed snowmobile trail and visitors should expect powder and wind drifts for the remaining 2 miles. At this signed intersection visitors will turn North (right) onto Road #1882 and proceed about 1 ½ miles to the entrance of the Indian Meadows Trailhead. The road forks right before the trailhead. Visitors should follow the signs for the Guard Station on the right hand fork, proceed past the outfitter corrals, through an open gate signed Indian Meadow Guard Station, and travel approximately ½ mile on the access road to the cabin.
