gerard w
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Other than the skunk smell in the cabin it was a great experience
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Featured amenities
Equestrian-Friendly
Restrooms
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
About West Fork Cabin (S Of Ennis)
West Fork Cabin is a small, secluded cabin in the mountains of southwestern Montana, located high in the Gravelly Range. The cabin was built in 1928 as an intermediate station for patrolling grazing allotments. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous trails for hikers, equestrians and off-road vehicle riders during warmer months and snowmobilers in the winter.
The cabin is available from July 1 through March 31. It can typically be accessed by vehicle; however, a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Beginning around mid-October, snow may make access very difficult. In winter, over snow vehicles are necessary to reach the cabin, but are only permitted after December 1. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
West Fork Cabin is closed on Wednesdays for administrative purposes, July - November.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Snowmobile
Winter
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Winter
Snowmobile
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jul 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Equestrian-Friendly
Restrooms
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
On Site Services
- Horse Stable
Pets and Policies
- Equestrian-Friendly
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
- Sleeping Capacity
- Kitchen
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
Missing information?
001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
🏠
Cabin
- 3 guests
Site Details
Up to 3 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Reviews
17 reviews
Summary
The West Fork Cabin offers a clean and well-maintained retreat for 1 or 2 guests, with a peaceful atmosphere and a lovely setting, making it ideal for a summer getaway. However, access to the cabin can be challenging due to inadequate directions and difficult road conditions, which has caused frustration for some guests. Overall, while the cabin is comfortable and tidy, improved navigation information would enhance the experience.
Based on guest feedback
4.1
Overall rating
Based on 17 reviews
5 stars
58.8% (10)
4 stars
23.5% (4)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
17.6% (3)
Showing 17 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
DAVE B
VerifiedAugust 11, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Great little cabin for 1 or 2. Too bad about most of the trees being burned a while back, so there's not much shade now. Like the quiet, and the spring. No live mice caught, but sounded like some were in the walls/attic.
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Audrey L
VerifiedAugust 5, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Great off the grid cabin! Clean and well maintained. Peaceful location when we were for a couple of weekdays.
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monica r
VerifiedJuly 28, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Clean and tidy cabin. Comfortable for a summer break visit lovely setting no mice yay!!
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Gina H
VerifiedApril 4, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Horrible, nonexistent directions to the cabin!!! Was on the phone for 30 minutes with a forestry ranger who could not figure it out and together we tried to figure the route out on All Trails. We never got to the cabin. According to the route that we figured out it would be two hours of driving once we got off of 287. About 5 mi into this two hour drive, there was so much snow pack on the road we were sliding all over in an F250 4x4. So, so disappointing. If there is not a more specific and manageable route to get to the cabin, then this cabin should not be available for rent until at least June 1st. Very frustrating and a waste of our time and money. Lost two nights of reservation and a very disappointed 12 y/o boy.
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Duane S
VerifiedDecember 1, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Cabin was very clean. Outhouse was decent but Hill to it very icy so wear your boots. Lots of wood split and ready. No issues.
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DAVE B
VerifiedAugust 20, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Great spot, but tough to get to-- flat tire on truck due to sharp rock 2 mi from cabin. Too bad that fire took out trees to the west of the cabin to keep it from being in shade in afternoon.
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Sally S
VerifiedJuly 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Remote and beautiful!
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Gary P
VerifiedJuly 14, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
This July (2024) was our 4th year at the West Fork cabin and we've enjoyed every stay there. Extremely good, rather remote location allowing access to the wonders of the Gravellys. It would be nice if users paid a bit more attention to leaving the place cleaned up for the next occupants.
Helpful
Don P
VerifiedOctober 20, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA WEST FORK CABIN
Good cabin. Always enjoy staying here. Lots of wildlife in the area. Good for 2-3 people.
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Location & Directions for West Fork Cabin (S Of Ennis)
5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729 United States
Elevation: 2,574 ft
Getting There
From Ennis, travel south on Highway 287 for about 30 mi, then head northwest on Standard Creek Road for about 20 mi and 10 mi south on Forest Road 290. The majority of the road to the cabin is gravel and has some long, steep grades, which may requ...
From Ennis, travel south on Highway 287 for about 30 mi, then head northwest on Standard Creek Road for about 20 mi and 10 mi south on Forest Road 290. The majority of the road to the cabin is gravel and has some long, steep grades, which may require four-wheel drive. The road can be treacherous and impassable if the conditions are wet or snowy, often in mid-October and November. Over snow vehicles are necessary in winter, permissable after December 1. All roads in the Gravelly Range are closed to wheeled motorized use from April 1 through June 30. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Highway access
The West Fork Cabin is accessible via Highway 287, which is approximately 30 miles north of the cabin, providing the main route from Ennis.
Near Yellowstone National Park
The closest entrance is: West Entrance
Approximate drive: 49.4 mi · over 1 hr (85 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- The cabin is locked. The combination is made available from the website with your receipt. If you haven't received the combination, you must call the Madison Ranger District at 406-682-4253 Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for the cabin combination. The office is NOT open on Federal Holidays.
- Water and electricity are not available at the cabin
- This facility is located in a remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)
- A mandatory food storage order is in effect annually between March 1 and December 1 to ensure all food is properly stored and unavailable to wildlife; please contact the Madison Ranger District for more details
- Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed-free
- All garbage and food must be packed out. Pack it in Pack it out
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
- Rodent poison may be in use; please take appropriate precautions with children and pets to avoid ingestion
- Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge 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.
- Snowmobiles, or any type of over snow vehicles, are allowed on forest lands only from December 2 through May 15.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Ennis, MT
Population: 777
Nearby city: Bozeman, MT
Approx. 73 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,941 ft
Ennis, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service