West Fork Cabin (W Of Choteau)

A mouse mansion. The good: The cabin is in a beautiful setting with mountains all around and no human noise. The propane stove and water pump make life very easy for a cabin in the middle of nowhere and the cabin has a lovely kitchen table. The neutral: It gets very windy in the area, so expect the cabin to be shaking a bit in the wind gusts. That's to be expected anywhere along the Rocky Mountain Front, but it might catch some people by surprise or make it difficult to sleep.

The bad: There are gaps all over the cabin, both inside and out: Gaps on the outside wall panels, gaps on the inside wall panels, gaps around the door, gaps around the windows. Why does this matter? Rodents. The cabin was very nice until the sun went down. After dark, all of the mice become active and start running all about the cabin: running around in the stove, on the stove, running up the walls, running around the windowsills, running up the bed. Overnight, a mouse chewed the nose rests off of my eyeglasses that were sitting in my hiking boot. A mouse also ran up and touched my head in bed. With all of this activity, I received next to no sleep. Despite renting the cabin for 2 nights, I left after 1 so I could go get some sleep away from the curious little critters.

The cabin is in some serious need of maintenance to seal off some of the many gaps that create entrance to a perfectly heated mouse sauna. Keep a perfectly clean cabin and keep all of your food and trash sealed in hard containers. I was glad I did, as the mice never got into any of my food or trash. Nonetheless, it didn't discourage the mice from trying their best to get into the containers all night, nor did it discourage the mice from hopping in my clean pan and uninating in it. Consider brining a pet bobcat with you.

Winter is a great time to visit this cabin - the off-track xc skiing and snowshoeing is glorious. The 3-mile road to the cabin is open to snowmobile, but challenge yourself and hike it! Except for the first 1/4 mile, it's downhill all the way there - and uphill all the way back. The snow is usually compacted enough by snow machine tracks that you can boot it or ski it - I go in good winter trail boots. Be aware, though, that there WILL be some bare dirt patches, which can be a drag (pun intended) if you carry gear in a sled or pulk. The cabin itself is comfortable and complete, if somewhat drafty. The propane heater is effective, but it takes time to warm the cabin from stone cold, which it probably will be when you arrive. Also the propane cooking range is excellent. The wood stove is nice if you like wood heat, and you can maintain a pan of warm water on it for washing. There are usually mice - there were when I visited. Best keep your food in bear-proof containers and scent-proof bags. Otherwise they weren't bothersome, and they can't seem to get into the cupboards in the cabinet unit by the back door. I found all the cleaning equipment and chemicals you might wish for. The vault toilet is clean and about 50 feet from the front door. Take some TP. And yes, the hand water pump works in winter!! Yahoo! So go. Snowshoe. xc ski. Hang out and read. Stand outside quietly, especially at night - the silence will astound you.

Cabin was in great shape. Stove worked great, and facilities were in good shape. I would suggest making it clear that the cabin has no lighting, in case people are expecting to find a lantern. There was propane as if one had previously been there.

Great place, great times and although the fire wrecked havoc here, it has its own beauty. The cabin has all the essentials for cooking, cleaning and sleeping.

Fun for whole family.

Great time! Had all that was needed, thanks so much!

Incredible spot! Will be back. Be prepared for all types weather and conditions when going! Thanks to the office in Choteu for always being helpful.

Love this cabin and the nearby ski hill - check it out at https://www.skitetonmt.com/

Beautiful area! The propane stove was nice, accommodations typical of bbn cabins. Fee a tad high compared to other cabins. We had some great family time. Surprised at how few fish there were in the stream