Moose Lake Cabin

Overview

Moose Lake Cabin is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwestern Montana. The historic cabin, which was built in 1917 for use as a Forest Service work station, offers visitors close access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area, which covers almost 250 square miles of mountain ranges. The cabin is a short drive to Georgetown Lake, Discovery Ski Area, Gem Mountain, and the town of Philipsburg with its well known Sweet Palace and microbrewery.

Many lakes and streams provide ample access to world famous trout fishing and the area also boasts miles of roads and trails. The cabin is located a short walk from Middle Fork Rock Cr and is surrounded by public land in all directions. Hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, OHV riding, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are common activites, 

The cabin can typically be accessed by vehicle, depending on road and weather conditions. Moose Lake Road is plowed during winter, but the access spur to the cabin is not regularly plowed and guests should plan on walking this final 100 yards in the winter months.  

Recreation

Moose Lake Cabin provides access to hunting, fishing, hiking or just relaxing. Fishing for brook and cutthroat trout is excellent in the area. The Middle Fork of Rock Creek as well as Copper Creek and other smaller creeks are close by. It is illegal to target Bull Trout, if caught they must be released immediately with minimal handling. Participants must have Montana licenses to hunt or fish.


Visitors also enjoy snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the area during the winter. Various weather conditions can increase avalanche danger in the area; visitors are encouraged to carry proper backcountry equipment, including a beacon, shovel and probe while recreating.


Hiking and horseback riding trails lead into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. There are three trailheads in the area, none more than a six mile drive from the cabin. As a reminder, pelletized or certified weed seed free feed and straw is required in all National Forests in Montana.

Facilities

This is a small, primitive, one-room cabin and is equipped with two sets of bunk beds with mattress pads that can sleep up to four people. It has a small table and chairs, plates, bowls, cups, silverware for 4 people, a 2 burner coleman stove, pots, pans, french press, kitchen utensils (spatula, large spoon, knives, cutting board, can opener, cheese grater), sponges/scour pads, Battery Powered LED Lantern (D batteries), mop, broom, wasbasins, dish rack, splitting maul, hatchet, cleaning products, rags. Paper towels, matches, toilet paper, garbage bags, newspaper, and hand sanitizer are stocked monthly.

The entrance is gated and locked with a combination code to provide guests privacy.

There is a wood stove for heat and cooking. Firewood is almost always available but cannot be guaranteed. 

A vault toilet is nearby and a small dispersed camping area are a few hundred yards from the cabin. A hand pump for drinking water, a picnic table, and fire pit are also outside.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, food, personal items, propane (1lb coleman propane bottles for stove), and specialty kitchen items. There is limited cell phone service available. Guests are asked to replenish the supply of split wood and kindling, pack out all trash and food, and clean the cabin prior to leaving. Please alert the Pintler Ranger Station at 406 859 8230 if you notice any of the above items missing or broken.

There is a fenced pasture for horses next to the cabin but you must check the fence for damage before using it. Do not corral your horses on the cabin grounds. 

Natural Features

The cabin is located on the Middle Fork of Rock Creek (Moose Lake Road, FR 5106) near the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. It sits at the edge of an open meadow, surrounded by evergreens and nearby peaks. The Middle Fork of Rock Creek flows about 100 yards behind the cabin. There is easy access to the creek, and good fishing.

The cabin has dodged several large wildfires, and you will see old fire scars from lightning caused fires on the ridges.



The area is known for its high, rugged and beautiful mountain scenery, as well as the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, including elk, moose, deer, mountain lions and bears(grizzly and black bears) (learn more about bear safety).

Nearby Attractions

The Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) leads into the Sapphire Mountains along a primitive and once widely used Native American trail. The scenic drive, which is closed during winter, was built to provide access between mining areas and agricultural communities in the Bitterroot Valley. About 30 miles from the cabin, the road leads to Skalkaho Falls in the neighboring Bitterroot National Forest. 

Moose Lake day use area is available for swimming and picnics in the summer, and ice fishing in winter.   

There is a groomed snowmobile route from Copper Creek campground to Frog Pond Basin. 

There are many trailheads in the vicinity, both wilderness access and non.  

There is an ATV loop from Copper creek over O'brien ridge to Frog Pond Basin and back down to Copper Creek.

Georgetown Lake can be accessed by highways or dirt roads.

Discovery Ski Area is a short drive away.

The town of Philipsburg has restaraunts, gift shops, gem shops, a micro brewery, candy shop, gas station, grocery store, skating rink, historic theater, and has events throughout the year.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservations are nonrefundable unless extenuating circumstances warrant otherwise. Determination will be made on a case by case basis.

From Philipsburg, travel south on Highway 1 for about 7 miles to the junction with Skalkaho Highway/Highway 38. Turn right onto Highway 38 and continue west for about 9 miles and turn left onto Moose Lake Road/Forest Road 5106. Travel another 9 miles to the cabin. Winter weather conditions may require visitors to park on the main road and hike about a quarter-mile to the cabin. Maps may be purchased by calling the Pintler Ranger District.