Savenac Bunkhouse

Overview

Savenac Bunkhouse provides sleeping accommodations for large groups staying at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nurseries in the West. The bunkhouse can sleep up to 30 people and offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities.

Recreation

A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, exist near the bunkhouse. A self-guided tour of the nursery is also available, giving visitors some background on the history of the site. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the nearby area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90.

Facilities

Guests are required to clean the facility before leaving. Follow the cleaning instructions posted on the door. Hosts are onsite to perform a checkout inspection before leaving the facility.

The two-story bunkhouse has four bedrooms with doors, each containing two twin beds and a dresser, and a large open area with several twin beds and bunkbeds on the first floor. Upstairs are multiple twin beds and bunkbeds in a large open space spanning the entire building. Every bed comes with a mattress. The bunkhouse has two bathrooms (one small and one large) with running water, flush toilets, sinks and showers. It can accommodate up to 30 people and is a sleeping facility only.

Guests will need to bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, as well as towels, soap, and other necessities.

The bunkhouse is available from May 5 to October 15 each year, except when it is reserved for administrative use or maintenance. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests to the bunkhouse are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

The bunkhouse does not have kitchen or refrigeration facilities for food. Bunkhouse renters may not use the cookhouse unless they rent the cookhouse in addition to the bunkhouse.

Natural Features

The bunkhouse is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The bunkhouse was originally a garage and has been converted to sleeping quarters. The facilities are close to the Idaho border, in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears.

Nearby Attractions

The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

From Missoula, travel west on Interstate 90 for 90 miles, to Exit 16 for Haugan. Turn right at the stop sign. At the frontage road turn right and take the first left across the cattleguard. Signs are present onsite to follow. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Superior Ranger District.