Kenck Cabin
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Guests can stay at Kenck Cabin for a rustic getaway in the fresh mountain air. The cabin was built in 1924 by a traveling doctor who arrived in the area in 1904 and spent his entire career along the Rocky Mountain Front. In 2003 the property was donated to the Forest Service by the Kenck Family Trust, and it has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kenck is comprised of one room that sleeps six on a double bed, a futon that turns into a double bed and two cots. Heating and cooking is from two wood stoves, and firewood is provided. Cooking utensils and dishes are also provided. The cabin has a replica of an old monarch stove and classic wood dining chairs.
No water is available. Renters should bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter or boil stream water. A bucket and shovel is provided. An outhouse is available directly behind the cabin. Items to bring include bedding, flashlights, food, small propane cylinders for the lanterns and a cooler. (Click here for more cabin details.)
Need to Know
Entry is by key. Please check your email for information on regarding key pickup and other important information. Contact the ranger district at (406) 466-5341 during normal office hours with questions.
- No water, electricity or sewer available
- No livestock or pets allowed
- Bears frequent the area; keep all food unavailable to bears in approved containers or within the cabin.
Bring water, bedding, flashlight, lantern, food, cook stove and a cooler.
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility
- In winter, access is limited to snowmobile, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing; trail is not groomed and snowmobiling is not allowed the last 1/2 mile from the trailhead to the cabin.
- Changes in fire activity could necessitate emergency closure of this facility. In the event of an emergency closure, current renters will be asked to leave the cabin without advance notice.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
Perched at an elevation of about 5,200 feet, the cabin sits near a series of flowing water, including Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River and Burned Creek. The surrounding area is a mixed conifer forest.
Lewis and Clark National Forest boasts 1,600 miles of streams and a mix of small natural and man-made lakes. Native wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, lynx, bighorn sheep and grey wolves.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest town with conveniences is Augusta. The distance is about 30 miles, but due to rough, winding gravel roads, travel time can take an hour and a half to two hours.
Recreation
Guests can relax by the stream, watch for birds and hike the surrounding area. Photographers will particularly enjoy the views of Patrol Lookout found by the gate to the cabin.
Contact Information
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Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340 Choteau MT 59422
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Augusta, head west Laura Street, which becomes Benchmark Road. Travel 13 miles to a "Y" intersection and turn left continuing on Benchmark Road. Drive 15 miles to the end of the road at South Fork Trailhead. Take the main trail that runs in front of the outhouse. From the main trail, take the first trail to the right, just after the "Pack-In-Pack-Out" sign. A small sign marks this trail leading to Kenck Cabin. The cabin is about a half-mile down the trail.
Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and can be snowed in as early as October. Snowmobiling is allowed on the road to the South Fork Trailhead if the road is no longer accessible to vehicles. However, snowmobiling is not allowed on trails beyond that point. Plan to hike, snowshoe or ski on main trail to cabin.
