By:
Submission
Wall Creek Cabin is a small dwelling that gives guests access to prime elk and deer viewing, as access is through a state Wildlife Management Area. It is typically open to the public from mid-May through November, offering ample opportunity to explore southwestern Montana.
The facility was a ranger station until the 1940s. There are three log buildings at the site, including the small rental cabin, a barn and a main "Ranger" cabin. The barn and main cabin are used by grazing permit holders. Only the smaller cabin is available for public use. Though usually quiet, there may be work activity associated with grazing management, with cowboys, horses and dogs living at the site and their days often start early.
The site can easily be accessed by vehicle and is open during late spring through early fall. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and
must bring several of their own amenities.
Big game hunting is by far the most popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the cabin. The area and surrounding wilderness is thick with wildlife. Hunters must have appropriate licensure to hunt in the state of Montana, and hunting is only allowed in designated areas. Wildlife viewing is popular, as animals often come near the cabin. A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the area, as well as trails for off-road vehicles. Trailhead access is about a mile north of the cabin on Hyde Creek.
The primitive cabin is small, with a single room and an enclosed porch. It is equipped with two sets of bunk beds with foam pads and can sleep up to four people.
Other amenities include a 2 burner propane cook stove, propane lantern, table and chairs, cleaning supplies, basic cooking utensils, cooking pots and a wood stove for heat.
Firewood may be stacked against the fence to the west of the cabin, but the firewood supply cannot be guaranteed. Split wood is stored in the box in the porch. A
primitive outhouse with vault toilet is located 100 feet north of the cabin.
The only water that may be available is at a spigot at the horse trough. Primarily for stock use, the water must be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes. Propane is not
provided for the cook stove or lantern, so guests will need to bring small disposable propane canisters. Cell phone service is minimal or nonexistent in the area.
Other items to bring include sleeping bags and pillows, matches, flashlight, food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Guests are expected to pack out **all** trash and food
and **clean** the cabin before leaving. The firewood supply in the wood box should also be replenished.
The cabin is located on the edge of the Madison River Valley and the Gravelly Mountains at an elevation of 6,150 feet. It sits in an open, grassy area backed by forested slopes.
This is a popular destination for big game hunters and for wildlife lovers who want to view elk in the fall, due to its proximity to the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is also home to deer, moose, antelope and bears (learn more about [bear safety](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/bdnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSM9_003342)).
From Ennis, take US Highway south for about 18 miles to Indian Creek and the McAtee Bridge fishing access
site. Turn right and go nearly 1 mile to junction just beyond bridge. Turn left and travel toward Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area for 2.7 miles to T junction.
Turn left and stay on main road for 2.5 miles, through many twists and curves, to another T junction. Staying on main road, turn left and travel for about 2 miles.
Turn right, through gate, at Wall Creek Station sign, and travel a half mile to another gate. Go through gate, entering the administrative site, and cabin is just beyond. Route is signed once leaving highway. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Fee to rent cabin is non-refundable within 14 days of arrival date. Any changes in reserved dates may be assessed an additional fee by the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Very rustic, no electricity, no water. Has wood burning stove, bunks for four, Coleman 2-burner stove and lantern (propane). Cooking utensils, coffee pot and a table for four. You have to clean.
The wall creek cabin is full of character! The highlights: The views of the mountains and wild flowers are unbelievable. It is truly a stunning area. You have some horses and next door neighbors, which adds to the charm (they have free range and can come up to your camp area). The cabin itself is exactly what one would think for a forest service cabin that has been around since the 1930's (?). With the $30 a night rate, you can't find anything cheaper in the area. Lowlights: Location. While the views are beautiful, it is quite the hall up to the cabin. Expect driving on a dirt road for 10 miles (Taking about 20-25 mins from the main road). The outhouse could be moved to a new area...it's time (oofta). The FLIES! We were there early July and the flies from the hours of 9:00am-7:30pm were out of control. We drenched ourselves in Deet, but still couldn't stand to be outside for more than a minute. We also had some trouble sleeping. The pidder-padder of the field mice in the cabin and the frantic noises of the horses at 1:00am, left us feeling a bit uncertain. We ended up only spending 2 of our 4 nights we had booked (the flies were the main reason). The cabin is great, as long as you know what you are getting into! I would recommend it for a short stay or if you are doing activities in the near area, but the remoteness of the cabin was a bit much for us! Also, there is a ranger (?) who came up our second day/night as there is another cabin on the property. We didn't interact with him too much, but he seemed like a nice guy!
