Warning
GeneralThe Magruder Ranger Station compound will have more noise and activity during the summer of 2026. There will be an increase in traffic, equipment and personnel going in and out of the Magruder, as well as more traffic along the Magruder Corridor and Selway River Road to Paradise Campground. The Administration building on the Ranger Station site will be occupied frequently, and construction work will bring added noise to the Magruder Ranger Station area during the summer of 2026. The Magruder Rangers House will remain open and available to rent throughout the summer season.
About Magruder Rangers House
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
On Site Services
- Propane
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001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Site Details
Reviews (24)
What Guests Are Saying
Magruder Rangers House offers a unique opportunity to escape into nature, with great fishing and hiking options nearby. Recent upgrades include a new fridge and stove, enhancing the kitchen experience. However, guests should be aware of maintenance issues, including a non-functional shower, cleanliness concerns, and a lack of electricity, which may detract from the overall experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Magruder Rangers House offers a unique opportunity to escape into nature, with great fishing and hiking options nearby. Recent upgrades include a new fridge and stove, enhancing the kitchen experience. However, guests should be aware of maintenance issues, including a non-functional shower, cleanliness concerns, and a lack of electricity, which may detract from the overall experience.
Review Summary
Anna E
VerifiedJuly 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
This ranger house is so, so, so wonderful. The house itself is very comfortable, with propane stove, refrigerator, lights, heat, and hot water, as well as an indoor toilet. I spent most of my time on the porch overlooking the gorgeous meadow and watching the rain, listening to birds and hoping for a moose (only had a deer wander by). Comfortable beds and the house was clean. The cons: 1) the two trails that start from the property were not maintained and at least one was not passable. The other was very, very brushy. 2) a lot of people drive in to park and check out the ranger station nearby. It’s not exactly secluded. We had many visitors in cars, a gaggle of side by sides, and a pack string (horses and mules).
Anna E
VerifiedJuly 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
This ranger house is so, so, so wonderful. The house itself is very comfortable, with propane stove, refrigerator, lights, heat, and hot water, as well as an indoor toilet. I spent most of my time on the porch overlooking the gorgeous meadow and watching the rain, listening to birds and hoping for a moose (only had a deer wander by). Comfortable beds and the house was clean. The cons: 1) the two trails that start from the property were not maintained and at least one was not passable. The other was very, very brushy. 2) a lot of people drive in to park and check out the ranger station nearby. It’s not exactly secluded. We had many visitors in cars, a gaggle of side by sides, and a pack string (horses and mules).
jeremy d
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Simple. Peaceful.
jeremy d
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Simple. Peaceful.
Toni C
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Wow! What a wonderful cabin with an amazing history. The location was magical. We came here on our honeymoon with another couple that are getting married this weekend. It was a special respite from our crazy, busy lives. We all live just outside of Darby, MT and were looking for a place close but far enough away that we couldn't be reached for anything business related. This has got to be the nicest, well-appointed forest service cabin we have ever rented. Places like this is what makes Montana so special. Thank you to the forest service, the volunteers and the firemen who all care for and protect this place...
Toni C
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Wow! What a wonderful cabin with an amazing history. The location was magical. We came here on our honeymoon with another couple that are getting married this weekend. It was a special respite from our crazy, busy lives. We all live just outside of Darby, MT and were looking for a place close but far enough away that we couldn't be reached for anything business related. This has got to be the nicest, well-appointed forest service cabin we have ever rented. Places like this is what makes Montana so special. Thank you to the forest service, the volunteers and the firemen who all care for and protect this place...
Barry F
VerifiedAugust 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Great location for exploring the Selway River and the wilderness. The cabin was well equipped and was even quite cool on very hot summer days. The drive to Paradise was great, and walking in to fish the Selway was a unique experience.
Barry F
VerifiedAugust 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Great location for exploring the Selway River and the wilderness. The cabin was well equipped and was even quite cool on very hot summer days. The drive to Paradise was great, and walking in to fish the Selway was a unique experience.
jeremy d
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Deeply remote and peaceful! Enjoyed rustic cabin and cutthroat trout fishing!
James D
VerifiedJanuary 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Classic Rangers cabin in a Classic Wilderness... wish I was still there
Location Magruder Rangers House
Address:
West Fork Ranger District
Darby, MT, 59829
United States
From Darby, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for 4 miles to West Fork Road/Highway 473. Continue on this road for approximately 14 miles to the Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468 and go another 34 miles on the one-lane gravel, and partially paved road. Just before Deep Creek meets up with the Selway River, turn south at a stone bridge that crosses the creek and continue .5 mile to the rental cabin. High- clearance vehicles are advised on the road from the Montana from June through September. Snow may fall in the high country and along Nez Perce Pass in the fall and roads are not plowed. Maps may be purchased by stoping at the West Fork Ranger District.
From Elk City, Idaho to Magruder along road #468 to Magruder is generally not passable by vehicles until mid to late July, but call the West Fork Ranger District at (406)821-3269 to inquire if the road is open and ask about the current road conditions.
The nearest major road is Highway 93, located approximately 4 miles from Darby, Montana, which connects to West Fork Road/Highway 473. Access to the site is primarily via Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468, which is a gravel road and may not be passable until mid to late July.
Latitude & Longitude: 45.7022 / -114.717
Elevation: 1242 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- The cabin is winterized annually on October 1; water is shut off at that point; visitors will need to bring their own drinking water and water for dishes and cleaning and utilize the pit toliet outside.
- This facility is located in a remote area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety. The rustic cabin is located in the forest where rodents may find access into the building. Guests should be aware of the risk of exposure to Hantavirus while staying in the cabin. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps/transmission.html for more information.
- The cabin remains locked; a week before your scheduled arrival, contact the West Fork Ranger District at 406-821-3269 during office hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to obtain a key code. Lock is a combination lock, to release the lock enter the code, squeeze in the lock and release.
- All garbage and food must be packed out.
- Learn more about the Bitterroot National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- The rental cabin is one building on the historic Magruder Ranger Station compound. The access road, trails and Ranger Station areas are all open to the public while cabin is rented.
- The Administration building on the Ranger Station site will be occupied daily throughout the summer of 2026 while staff are assisting with projects at the Ranger Station and within the corridor, expect more traffic at the Ranger Station and near the rental cabin this summer.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralThe Magruder Ranger Station compound will have more noise and activity during the summer of 2026. There will be an increase in traffic, equipment and personnel going in and out of the Magruder, as well as more traffic along the Magruder Corridor and Selway River Road to Paradise Campground. The Administration building on the Ranger Station site will be occupied frequently, and construction work will bring added noise to the Magruder Ranger Station area during the summer of 2026. The Magruder Rangers House will remain open and available to rent throughout the summer season.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
