May Creek Cabin
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
May Creek Cabin is located on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in western Montana. It was built by miners in the early 1900s and used by them for
about 30 years. Hunters occupied it for about 30 years after that. The cabin went unused for nearly 30 years and was restored for public use in 1993. In 2011, more work was completed to enhance the quality and safety of the structure.
Summer and
fall months give visitors plenty of daylight and moderate temperatures to explore the surrounding meadows, peaks and valleys, as well as fish in plentiful mountain
streams.
The cabin can be accessed by driving to May Creek Campground and then hiking or skiing just over two miles, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The wood-frame, one-room cabin is equipped with bunk beds and foam mattresses that sleep up to four people, a wood-burning stove for heat and a propane stove for
cooking. The flat-topped wood stove can also be used for cooking. A table with benches, cooking and eating utensils, axe, shovel, bucket, cleaning gear and firewood (during the winter months) are
also provided.
A wood stove is available for heat, and firewood and an axe are provided from September 16-June 15. You will need to provide your own firewood from June 16-September 15. An outhouse with a vault toilet is near the cabin. A propane lantern should also be available, but fuel is not supplied.
The cabin has no electricity or running water. It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is also available
from a nearby creek, but it must be treated or boiled prior to use.
Guests should bring their own bedding, food, toilet paper, towels, flashlights, garbage bags and 16-ounce propane canisters for the stove and lantern. All garbage and
food must be packed out and guests should clean the cabin prior to leaving.
Need to Know
- Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
- Propane fuel is not provided.
Firewood is only provided from October 1-June 15. Firewood is not provided June 16-September 30.
- This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear , water and weather safety, including avalanche danger.
The cabin remains locked. The padlock number code will be provided to you when you confirm your reservation. You do not need to call the Wisdom District Office to obtain the padlock code.
- There is no cell phone service at or around the cabin.
- All garbage and food must be packed out.
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more.
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
- 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.
Each visitor group is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the cabin. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF checks on the cabin intermittently during the reservation season and cannot guarantee the sterilization of facilities or prevention of disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest on COVID-19 in Montana, please refer to the Governor's Corona Virus Task Force: https://covid19.mt.gov/
Natural Features
The rustic cabin is situated at the base of the Anaconda Mountain Range in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest of southwestern Montana. It is nestled in evergreen forest near the banks of May Creek at an elevation of about 6,600 feet.
The Anacondas are home to abundant wildlife, including mountain lions, elk, deer, moose and bears (learn more about bear safety). This area is a major spot for elk calving.
Nearby Attractions
The Big Hole National Battlefield is located about nine miles east of the cabin. It is the site of the Nez Perce War of 1877, a battle between the Native American tribe, the United States Army and civilian volunteers.
Recreation
Early explorers crossed through the area, leaving a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding, including the Nez Perce Trail, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Historic Trail. Historic sites are located along all routes. A GPS unit, compass and area maps are helpful in reaching the cabin and exploring the area.
The surrounding hills and valleys are popular for hiking and backpacking in the summer and fall, and for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, although extreme caution is urged to avoid avalanche danger.
Fishing and wading are available in the adjacent May Creek. Anglers might catch brook or rainbow trout, which are plentiful in the alpine waters.
Contact Information
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PO BOX 238 WISDOM MT 59761
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-689-3243
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Wisdom, travel west on Highway 43 for about 16 miles to the May Creek Campground. Guests can park in the plowed parking area near the highway at the entrance to the campground during the winter. During the summer months, follow the campground road to the fence at the south end of the campground. Parking is available in the meadow just west of the campground.
From the campground, hike or ski south along the marked May Creek Trail, crossing a small bridge. About a quarter-mile past the bridge, the May Creek Trail intersects with the May Creek Ridge Trail; stay on the May Creek Trail and continue south for about two miles. The cabin is located on the edge of a large meadow, in the trees, on the east side of the creek. Large, blue diamond stakes mark the trail across the meadow to the cabin. Maps of the area may be purchased by calling the Wisdom Ranger District.
Available Campsites
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