East Fork Cabin
East Fork Cabin offers visitors a unique way to experience the Bitterroot National Forest in southwestern Montana. Open year‑round, this rustic and historic site provides convenient access to a wide range of outdoor recreation on surrounding public lands. Additional camping areas accommodate larger groups, and a nearby picnic area serves as a central gathering space. The cabin is accessible by vehicle; however, from October through April, a four‑wheel‑drive or high‑clearance vehicle is recommended. Guests are responsible for their own transportation, safety, and personal supplies.
Built prior to 1914 and restored in 1987, the cabin originally served as a guard station for forest fire lookouts. It sits along the East Fork of the Bitterroot River at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. The river begins in the Anaconda‑Pintler Wilderness and flows west to join the West Fork near Conner. During spring runoff, fast‑moving water and snags can create hazardous conditions.
The surrounding Anaconda Range supports a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, mountain lions, and bears—making the area a rich setting for nature viewing and exploration.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereGeneral Information
The East Fork Guard Station Cabin is a rustic, historic one‑room cabin located along the East Fork of the Bitterroot River. It accommodates up to eight people and is equipped with two bunk beds (with mattress pads), a table with seating, cupboards, and a propane range with an oven. Propane, electric lights, and a single electrical outlet are provided. A wood stove offers heat; firewood is supplied, though guests may need to split logs. Please refill the indoor wood box before departing.
Basic cookware, dishes, and utensils are available. Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, soap, and garbage bags. Drinking water is accessible at the nearby pump house. A vault toilet is located adjacent to the cabin, and a picnic table and group fire ring are available for outdoor use. Please bring your own firewood for the outdoor fire pit; wood in the shed is for indoor heating only.
A corral is available for stock use, and guests should check the fence line before turning animals out. Only certified weed‑free hay is permitted.
A large log pavilion is also available and includes picnic tables, a fireplace, pedestal charcoal grills, and an electrical outlet. While the cabin itself is limited to eight guests, designated RV and tent camping areas allow for groups of up to 35 people.
Guests are asked to clean the cabin before leaving and help replenish the supply of cut firewood. Basic cleaning supplies are provided.
Cabin is available for reservations year-round.
- Check Out: Noon
- Check In: 2:00pm
- Limit of 8 people for this cabin
- No Garbage Service
- Pack it In - Pack it Out
- Food Storage Required: Food Storage Order Bitterroot National Forest
- Weed Seed Free feed is required on all national forest land: Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Regional Order
Overnight Use:
$50 per night
Call the Darby/Sula Ranger Station at (406) 821-3913 for the current combination for the lock on the door, a week in advance of your arrival.
Please clean up after your pet
Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger Station
Contact Phone: 406-821-3913
Address: 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3913
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.92305556
Longitude: -113.7263889
Directions
From Sula, travel northwest on Highway 93 for just under one mile. Turn right onto East Fork Road (County Road 472) and continue approximately 16 miles to the cabin.
Travel Considerations
The road is typically plowed in the winter time but please contact the Darby-Sula Ranger Station for road conditions.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Accessible Vault ToiletWater
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream Info
The East Fork of the Bitterroot River begins in the Anaconda‑Pintler Wilderness and flows west to meet the West Fork near Conner, forming the Bitterroot River. The area offers year‑round recreation, including fishing.
The upper river winds through forested mountains, while the lower section moves through cottonwood bottomlands. Spring runoff can create swift, hazardous conditions. Anglers will find brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout primarily between Sula and Conner, along with productive winter whitefish angling. The river is closed to trout fishing in winter, and catch rates are generally consistent across fishing methods.
Viewing Scenery