Eagle Guard Station
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Eagle Guard Station is located in high grasslands and surrounded by a scattered forest in the Elkhorn Mountains in west-central Montana.
The former Eagle Creek Ranger Station was built by miner Richard Owen in 1895. While his family lived there, the area was in a booming gold rush. In
1908, the cabin was taken over by the Forest Service for administrative use. It is the oldest administrative log structure on the Helena National Forest, predating the
establishment of the Forest.
Today the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. The cabin is accessible by car, but the last 4 miles are
only open to foot, horseback and cross-country ski traffic from December 2nd through May 15th. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack
in some of their own supplies and gear.
The entire site consists of the cabin, a woodshed, vault toilet, barn, horse corrals and a fire ring. The cabin can accommodate up to six people on three sets of bunk
beds with mattresses. A wood stove provides heat and a propane camp stove can be used for cooking. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, dishes, propane lantern, utensils
and cookware.
An axe and snow shovel are provided. Firewood may be available, but it is not guaranteed.
There is no available potable water or electricity at this facility. Guests must bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking and washing, as well as one
or two small propane canisters to use with the propane stove and lantern.
Guests need to provide their own sleeping bags, flashlights, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage
bags. All trash and food should be packed out, and guests should clean the cabin before leaving.
No firewood provided from June 1st - August 31.
Need to Know
- There is no electricity, water or indoor plumbing at this facility
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock, your reservation confirmation email will have the combination code.
- Please print and be prepared to present your confirmation letter to officials
Cabin is accessed by a native surface dirt road, that has ruts and rocky sections, and is not plowed for snow; there are narrow spots with poor visibility; higher clearance 4x4 or AWD vehicles recommened (NOT for passenger cars),please drive slowly and use caution
- No motorized vehicles allowed during winter closure periods
- Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- The cabin is a no-smoking facility
- Please clean cabin upon departure
- Make sure cabin is locked upon departure
- Keep open fires within the campfire ring
- Hay must be certified weed-free; out of state horses must have current Coggins test
- Amenities such as dishes, utensils and firewood cannot be guaranteed
- 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 Helena 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.
Natural Features
Eagle Guard Station is situated on the southeast flanks of the Elkhorn Mountains in a beautiful open grassland setting, an outstanding location for viewing elk.
Crow Creek Falls, the largest waterfall in Helena National Forest, is located within hiking distance of the cabin and is a sanctuary for many wildlife species,
including the threatened Canada lynx, the sensitive goshawk and westslope cutthroat trout.
The area offers unique opportunities for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. Bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, black bear, moose and a variety of
birds are commonly seen. The more elusive badger, wolverine and mountain lion find habitat here as well.
Nearby Attractions
Historic town sites and mining areas such as Elkhorn, Hassel, Ruddville and Diamond Hill mines are nearby for guests interested in the mining history of the Elkhorns.
Recreation
Eagle Guard Station provides guests with outstanding opportunities for photography, fishing, hunting, and hiking.
The area offers centralized access to the Elkhorn Mountains with numerous hiking trails and roads leading to the Elkhorn's historical resources. Popular hikes include
those to Crow Creek Falls and Poe Park. An interpretive trail is accessible just beyond the cabin.
When snow allows, skiing gives visitors an up-close look at concentrations of wintering elk.
Contact Information
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415 S. FRONT STREET TOWNSEND MT 59644
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-266-3425
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
All mileage is approximate from the highway.
Road is native surface dirt, with ruts and rocky sections, higher clearance vehicles are a must, 4x4/AWD recommended, road is NOT for passenger cars.
Directions to Eagle Guard Station from the intersection of highway 287 and Indian Creek Road (which is just north of the Missouri River Bridge, north of Townsend). Take the Indian Creek Road (traveling west) approximately 3.5 miles, you will pass a National Forest Access that says "Indian Creek", there will also be a sign on the left saying "Eagle Guard Station", take the left at this intersection. Stay on this road that travels through the canyon, for approximately 4.7 miles, you will come to a "Y" in the road, take the left which is the #4031 road. Stay on road 4031 for approximately 5 miles (you should pass a sign saying "Eagle Guard Station" with a straight arrow) until you come to a "T" intersection. There will be a sign that says "Radersburg/Crow Creek left" and "Eagle Guard Station right". Take a right for approziately .7 miles to the next intersection. Take the left and cabin is about .3 miles on the left.
From December 2 through May 15, the last 4 miles are not open to motorized vehicles. Access
to the cabin is by foot, ski, or horseback.
