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.
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates1 total site · $100 avg/night
Cabins
1 site
$100/night
average
About Magruder Rangers House
Number of accommodations: 1
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
On Site Services
- Propane
001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Site Details
Reviews (25)
What Guests Are Saying
The Magruder Rangers House is well-maintained with recent updates, including a new fridge and stove, making for a pleasant stay for repeat visitors who enjoy the area's fishing and hiking opportunities. However, some guests reported concerns about cleanliness, lack of electricity, and a hantavirus warning, which was not disclosed prior to booking. While the cabin has its charm and offers a unique experience, many felt the price was too high given the condition and amenities.
What Guests Are Saying
The Magruder Rangers House is well-maintained with recent updates, including a new fridge and stove, making for a pleasant stay for repeat visitors who enjoy the area's fishing and hiking opportunities. However, some guests reported concerns about cleanliness, lack of electricity, and a hantavirus warning, which was not disclosed prior to booking. While the cabin has its charm and offers a unique experience, many felt the price was too high given the condition and amenities.
Review Summary
Pattie R
VerifiedJune 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
We grew up in that house during the summers when our father worked for the ranger station.
The shower didn’t work but we were informed that before we went.
Excellent as always.
Pattie R
VerifiedJune 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
We grew up in that house during the summers when our father worked for the ranger station.
The shower didn’t work but we were informed that before we went.
Excellent as always.
Tracy W
VerifiedJuly 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
I have had the good fortune to have stayed at Magruder 8-9 times over the past 15 years or so.....always good to get "off the map".
This time there was a new frig and stove installed....the frig had lights and the stove had an ignitor.....nice touch!!
As always, there was fishing and hiking to be done!! Great time.
Tracy W
VerifiedJuly 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
I have had the good fortune to have stayed at Magruder 8-9 times over the past 15 years or so.....always good to get "off the map".
This time there was a new frig and stove installed....the frig had lights and the stove had an ignitor.....nice touch!!
As always, there was fishing and hiking to be done!! Great time.
Greg P
VerifiedJune 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Cabin was I great shape, seemed like a lot of recent work had been done.
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.
Elevation: 1242 feet
51 mi drive to downtown Darby (about 1 hr 47 min)
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: September 10, 2026
