West Boulder Cabin
Custer Gallatin National Forest
West Boulder Cabin is open year-round, offering a variety of recreational opportunities as well as relaxation. Guests can drive to the cabin in warmer weather but should be prepared to snowshoe, ski or snowmobile up to a mile on county roads in the winter.
The cabin has electric lights and an electric cook stove. A refrigerator is also provided. Rental camping equipment, such as ice chests, bear spray, campstoves, etc., are available locally in Bozeman. Guests will need to bring many of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay.
This three-room cabin has electric lights, an electric cook stove, and a refrigerator. Amenities include five single beds with mattresses, a table with chairs, basic cookware and utensils, some cleaning gear, an axe, maul, bucket and shovel. A wood-burning stove is provided for heat.
FIREWOOD IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD OR GATHER FROM FOREST DURING SUMMER. Firewood is available for INDOOR use only during winter as long as supplies last.
There is a campfire ring, picnic table, and a vault toilet outside. Firewood is provided for use in the wood heating stove only. DO NOT BURN PROVIDED WOOD OUTSIDE AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE AND IS NEEDED FOR WINTER USERS INDOORS. Guests must bring their own wood or collect wood from the nearby forest for campfires.
Water is not available at the cabin, but potable water is available FROM APPROXIMATELY MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY at the adjacent West Boulder Campground. Guests must bring their own drinking water the remainder of the year or treat water from the river to use for drinking and cooking.
Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Garbage bags are not provided. Visitors should plan to bring items like a flashlight, bedding, cookware, dishes, utensils, newspaper, matches, toilet paper and first aid kit.
Notifications and Alerts
Please Note: The West Boulder Cabin will be undergoing extensive renovations to repair and restore the foundation, walls, and floors during the summer and fall months of 2024. It will be unavailable for rental during this time. These nearly 100-year-old cabins need significant maintenance to keep them in good working order and safe for use. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Need to Know
- 5 night maximum stay limit
The cabin remains locked; guests must CHECK their CONFIRMATION letter for the cabin combination.
- ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.
- Cabin, woodshed and gate are locked with combination locks; be sure to have combination
- The cabin is accessible by car year-round, though a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Guests can drive to the cabin in warmer weather but should be prepared to snowshoe, ski or snowmobile up to a mile on county roads in the winter
- Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use to prevent Giardia
- Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area
- Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest;Click here for more information
- Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people
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No liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch
Stock must be kept at the adjacent trailhead facility; please clean area after use. Hay and feed for stock must be certified weed-free. Out of state horses must have a current Coggins test.
Within the Yellowstone Ranger District, refunds for weather or accessibility issues on the day of arrival or later will not be considered. Refunds will also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors.
- No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all that you pack in
- Please clean cabin before leaving and be sure to remove all food
- Please collect your own firewood for campfires
- Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed: within 150 yards of the of the cabin
- The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by US Forest Service regulations
- Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest
- Please call the Livingston office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892, during business hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, for current weather conditions/alerts, information and questions about the cabin.
- 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
West Boulder Cabin sits at an elevation of 5,538 feet on the edge of a meadow near the mouth of the West Boulder River Canyon. The cabin is just steps away from the river and adjacent to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Aspen and lodgepole pine forest and the snow-speckled peaks of the Absarokas mark the surrounding landscape.
This area is home to moose, mule deer, elk and grizzly bear. Birders may spot bald eagles, owls, Stellar's jays, western meadowlarks and mountain bluebirds.
Recreation
Hikers and equestrians can find trails leading west into the Absaroka Mountains which connect to a network of trails in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The winter landscape is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Anglers can fish for Yellowstone cutthroat and rainbow trout in the West Boulder River.
Contact Information
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5242 HWY 89 SOUTH LIVINGSTON MT 59047
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-222-1892
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Big Timber, Montana, travel 16 miles south on Highway 298 to McLeod. Just past the turn off to McLeod, turn right (west) onto West Boulder Road for approximately 6 miles. It turns into Swingley Road. Drive on Swingley Road for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto West Boulder Road. The cabin is between West Boulder Campground and the trailhead parking area. During winter months, it is advisable to call the Livingston Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892 for local road conditions. Winter access may only be possible by snowmobile, snowshoes or cross-country skis for up to a mile on county road.
