Owl Creek Cabin is a rustic, single-room dwelling that can accommodate up to four guests. Horse campers enjoy the Owl Creek experience because a corral is available for use just 200 feet from the cabin. The corral may be reserved independently from the cabin by Clicking HERE Same day reservations may be made by contacting the Swan Lake Ranger Station during business hours at 406-837-7500.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Owl Creek Cabin is a single-story structure with a covered front porch and an accessible entrance ramp. The 16-by-20 structure contains two bunk beds (4 total beds) with mattresses, a propane fireplace, electric lights, an electric cook stove, small microwave oven, dorm size fridge, as well as dining utensils and a reasonable assortment of cooking pots and pans.
The cabin is not equipped with running water, but from mid-May to mid-November, a potable water source is located just outside the front door. During the winter season, water is not available and guests will need to bring their own. An outhouse is available outside the cabin.
Guests will also need to bring their own bedding, food, flashlights and a first aid kit, among other necessities. Click here for more cabin details. Guests must clean the cabin and carry out all trash before leaving.
Drinking water is only available from mid-May to mid-November; outside this time frame, guests will need to bring their own water. The water system require electicity please plan accordingly. Refunds will not be given for a power outage which are possible due to the remote nature of the cabin. Click this link for outage information https://bills.meccoop.com/maps/OutageWebMap/
Contact the ranger district office at (406) 837-7500, during normal office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for updates on weather and road conditions; refunds will not be given for inclement weather or road conditions.
The road to the cabin is plowed in winter. However, you should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Depending on the severity of snowfall, the cabin may not be immediately plowed. It is also common for the cabin to lose power during weather events. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Grizzly bears frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage. Coolers and Trash may NOT be left unattended on the porch of the cabin or in the back of trucks.
The porch, ramps, steps and roadways can be slippery when damp, or covered by snow or frost.
During your stay the Forest Service or their representatives may be present at or around the cabin to perform repairs, stocking of cabin supplies, snow removal, or any other general maintenance.
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility. Trash service is NOT provided at any of our rental properties. Trash Service at the nearby Holland Lake Complex is NOT for renters of Owl Packer. That is a service provided by a concessionaire who manages the Holland Lake Campground and Day Use Areas -for their paying guests. They pay for that service seperately -The USFS does NOT pay for trash service. Illegal dumping at the Holland Lake Complex could result in a citation.
Pets are allowed at the cabin *IF* they are under your control at all times and well behaved. This is a working stock area, with outfitters regularly packing out horses and mules with their paying guests. Your dogs may not disturb the outfitters or their animals. Any reports of disturbance or dogs not under your control could result in a fine.
Conserve propane by setting the thermostat to 55 degrees while away from the cabin.
The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter.
Guests must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed.
Commercial use of cabin is prohibited.
Click here for more information on the Flathead National Forest.
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. Certified Weed Free Hay must also be used for all stock animals to prevent the spread of invasive weeds into our wilderness. See our Forest Special Order for more details.
The cabin is located in Swan Valley, just south of Holland Lake, at an elevation of 4,200 feet. The building backs up to a stand of mixed conifers, including lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees.
A general store is located about 20 minutes away, in the town of Condon.
Visitors to the area enjoy hiking and horseback riding on a variety of trails, some of which lead into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The cabin in also about a half-mile from Holland Lake, which offers swimming, boating and fishing opportunities. In winter, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular in the area.
200 RANGER STATION ROAD BIGFORK MT 59911
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-837-7500
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Owl Creek Cabin is located at the Owl Creek Packer Camp, about 4 miles off Montana State Highway 83 in the Swan Valley. From Highway 83 turn east onto Holland Lake Road #44 near mile marker 35. After 2.5 miles, turn right on Owl Loop Road #9558. Go about 0.5 miles and turn right on Road #10121 to Owl Creek Packer Camp. The camp entrance is located on the right. Turn here and continue straight through the camp, turn left at the end and drive past the corrals. The cabin is located near the end of this loop on the right, just past the last corral. There is no sign marking the cabin, but the rental is the only structure in the camp area.