Black Butte Cabin

Black Butte Cabin is a snug log cabin that sits high in the Gravelly Mountains. It sleeps four people and has scenic views of Lion Mountain. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and provides access to numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles during warmer months, and snowmobiles in the winter.

The cabin is open nine months out of the year, July through March, and can typically be accessed by vehicle in summer and fall, however a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Snowmobiles are necessary to reach the cabin in winter. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.

General Information

The cabin is located approximately 32 miles south of Ennis, MT and 13 miles northwest on Standard Creek Road (FS Road 237) in the Gravelly Range. Take Highway 287 approximately 32 miles south of Ennis to West Fork Rest Area. Turn west, cross Madison River on to Forest Service Road 237 approximately 13 miles.  Depending on snow conditions, snowmobile travel may be necessary. Refer to the Southwest Montana Interagency Visitor/Travel Map regulations. Please call Madison Ranger District at (406)682-4253 for details on road conditions and specific directions.

• This is a one room cabin that sleeps 4. The cabin is equipped with a wood burning stove for heat. Firewood is available for use in the cabin stove only.
• Bring your own disposable propane canisters for camp stove and lantern.
• There is minimal cooking equipment provided.

• Renters must call the district office with their reservation number at 406-682-4253 during office hours for the lock combination. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mountain Time) Mon-Fri, closed on weekends and Federal holidays. 

• The vault toilet is located approximately 200 feet north of the cabin.
• Bears frequent the area with mandatory food storage and refuse requirements in effect March 1 through December 1 annually. All food, garbage and animal carcasses must be properly stored and made unavailable to wildlife. Contact the Madison Ranger District for more details.

• Potential exposure to hantavirus due to presence of mice droppings in cabins.
• Rodenticide may be in use in cabin. Take appropriate precautions to avoid ingestion by children and pets.
• No garbage service provided. Please Pack it in, Pack it out.
• No cleaning service provided. Please clean the cabin before leaving. Cleaning supplies are provided.
• Please replenish supply of split wood and kindling before leaving.
• There is a spring located south of the cabin.
• Livestock are not allowed within the fenced area around the cabin and must be properly contained. Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed seed free.