Campground

Wurtz Cabin

Near Polebridge, Montana

Wurtz Cabin is located just south of the Canadian border, on the North Fork Road near the North Fork of the Flathead River. It is listed on the National Historic Register, offering guests a glimpse into the past. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, fishing and viewing wildlife.

The cabin can accommodate up to 12 people and is fully accessible. It can be accessed by vehicle, however the North Fork Road is gravel and only intermittently plowed in the winter. Four-wheel drive and chains are recommended for passage during winter months. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. The majority of the road from Columbia Falls to Wurtz Cabin is gravel, so be prepared for dust during your drive and at the cabin.

Facilities

The two-story, rustic log cabin has a covered front porch and flat, grassy lawn. Amenities include a propane cook stove, propane lights, a propane heate, a wood stove and an outdoor vault toilet. Two double beds and eight single beds are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, as well as basic cooking and eating utensils.

No water or electricity is available. Guests will need to bring water, food, bedding, flashlights, garbage bags and any other necessities. Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

The cabin was originally built by Frank and Ella Wurtz, who first settled the land in 1913 and expanded their home as their family grew in number. The family lived on-site through the 1960s and volunteers helped the Forest Service restore the building to its current structure.

The rear of the cabin is lined with a stand of dense conifers. The front of the cabin faces a grassy lawn that overlooks a line of pine trees with the snow-capped Livingston Range in Glacier National Park visible in the distance.

Recreation

In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing in the nearby river. Visitors also enjoy exploring the surrounding terrain on various hikes through the area. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are available in the winter.

Glacier National Park is nearby, offering scenic driving and opportunities for hiking. It can be accessed at Polebridge, south of the cabin.

Recreation Sites

Cabin Nonelectric
Overnight

Activities

Wildlife Viewing
Winter Sports
Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Boating

Amenities

Supplies
Stove/Oven
Non Smoking
Propane Heating
Woodstove/Fireplace
Fire Pit
Lighting
Living Room
Porch
Furnished
Quiet Area
Toilet
Gas Heating
Wood Heating

Nearby Attractions

Polebridge Mercantile is located south of Wurtz and has limited supplies.

Getting Here

Latitude

48° 52' 59.9999" N

Longitude

114° 23' 30.0001" W

From Columbia Falls, travel north on Nucleus Avenue and turn east onto Railroad Street at the stop sign. The road becomes North Fork Road as it travels over the railroad overpass. Drive past the Schnaus and Ford rental cabins, and Wurtz is located on the west side of the road. Use caution during the winter, as the gravel road is only intermittently plowed. Chains and four-wheel drive are required for passage. The majority of the road from Columbia Falls to Wurtz Cabin is gravel, so be prepared for dust during your drive and at the cabin.

Need to Know

There is a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights with a total of 7days per calendar year. Check-out time is 1200 pm. Check-in time is 2 pm.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin.

Grizzly bears may frequent the area; please keep all food, beverages, coolers and garbage inside the cabin at all times.

The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in your reservation confirmation letter.

Minor maintenance work may occur while you are staying at the cabin; for more information contact the Hungry Horse Glacier View Ranger District at (406) 387-3800, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There are several closed buildings on the site, some are planned for restoration;f please respect the closures.

Please help conserve propane by minimizing the lights you have on and keeping the thermostat to 55 when you are not in the cabin.

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' facility.

The firewood provided is for heat only; please do not deplete the supply by using it for outside fires.

Pets and livestock are not allowed at cabin

Firewood is available October 1st to May 1st.

Tents, RVs, and campers are not allowed on premises.

Commercial use of the cabin is prohibited.

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.

This is a remote cabin that may be unoccupied for extended periods of time. Mice may be present in cabin - there are supplies to trap mice and remove safely in cabin. Please do your part to help mitigate rodents by picking up food crumbs, cleaning thoroughly, and trapping mice if they are present.