Meredith Lambert Banogon
February 15, 2017 Google Maps
Beautiful, quaint cabin in the middle of nowhere that is definitely worth the short hike. A great escape from civilization!
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About Trail Creek Cabin
Trail Creek Cabin, built in 1924, was the original ranger station for the Bozeman Ranger District. It is available year round, offering guests the chance to enjoy summer or winter recreation. The cabin is located in a remote area that is not accessible by car or truck. Guests must travel on foot, horseback, motorized vehicle (under 50”) or mountain bike. In winter, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles may be used to reach the cabin. The best route for arriving on foot or horseback is about 2 mi, while motorized vehicles (under 50”), and snowmobiles have a 5-mile route. Call the district office M-F, 8 to 4:30, for latest road/trail conditions. Check Travel Plan for restrictions and authorized dates. To get to the cabin on motorcycle or ATV via Goose Cr Trail No. 439, the dates allowed are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and should be prepared to bring supplies and gear they need for a comfortable stay.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Fire Pit
Bedrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Fire Pit
- Firewood Available
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Bedrooms
- Heating
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001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
🏠
Cabin
- 4 guests
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Shade
Reviews
57 reviews
Summary
Trail Creek Cabin offers a cozy and well-maintained retreat, accessible via an easy hike with beautiful surroundings. Guests appreciate the recent upgrades, cleanliness, and amenities like a warm woodstove, though some noted minor issues with mice and occasional ATV traffic. Overall, visitors enjoyed their stay, highlighting the cabin's charm and the supportive USFS staff.
Based on guest feedback
4.7
Overall rating
Based on 57 reviews
5 stars
71.9% (41)
4 stars
22.8% (13)
3 stars
5.3% (3)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 57 reviews
Verified Only
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Michael Parker
January 29, 2019 Google Maps
Beautiful Backcountry Cabin with multiple options for ingress and egress. We did a car drop and snowshoed in via trail creek trail then skied out on the bear canyon loop trail to the goose Creek trailhead. There's no water in the winter, but I'm pretty sure a creek runs past the cabin in the warmer months. The cabin sleeps 4 comfortably on bunks beds, has a fold down table, several cast iron skillets, and a small wood burning stove for heating and cooking. There is also a propane lantern but you may want to bring your own canister as you never know how much is left.
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Anna M
VerifiedDecember 26, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Loved it, the dog loved it, great accessible cabin. Some pots, pans and supplies were left over
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Anna M
VerifiedDecember 26, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Loved it, the dog loved it, great accessible cabin. Some pots, pans and supplies were left over
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Lynda A
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Great cabin in such a beautiful location. We loved our stay, it was peaceful and relaxing. We did some hiking and skiing in the area. The cabin sits on a great trail system. The hike in was a little over 2 mi and snow packed. Since there has been new snow, you might need snowshoes.
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Lynda A
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Great cabin in such a beautiful location. We loved our stay, it was peaceful and relaxing. We did some hiking and skiing in the area. The cabin sits on a great trail system. The hike in was a little over 2 mi and snow packed. Since there has been new snow, you might need snowshoes.
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Leah S
VerifiedJanuary 22, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Trail Creek was the perfect getaway in the snow. At the end of December it was very muddy, but got snowed in while there. The hike clocked at 2.3 mi and WAS GORGEOUS. You overlook a valley in a wide field and then drop into the woods, where the cabin will peek out of the trees. Woodshed was beautifully stocked for chopping wood, as were the trail presents of hot cocoa, love notes, and playing cards. There are pans and pitchers for cooking, as well as a clothesline and places to hang a lantern. My only recommendations is to be aware that the stove will use 1-2 logs per 90 min - 2 hours; the cabin will get cold overnight. So pleased this was my first forest cabin experience
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Leah S
VerifiedJanuary 22, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Trail Creek was the perfect getaway in the snow. At the end of December it was very muddy, but got snowed in while there. The hike clocked at 2.3 mi and WAS GORGEOUS. You overlook a valley in a wide field and then drop into the woods, where the cabin will peek out of the trees. Woodshed was beautifully stocked for chopping wood, as were the trail presents of hot cocoa, love notes, and playing cards. There are pans and pitchers for cooking, as well as a clothesline and places to hang a lantern. My only recommendations is to be aware that the stove will use 1-2 logs per 90 min - 2 hours; the cabin will get cold overnight. So pleased this was my first forest cabin experience
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David C
VerifiedMarch 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Beautiful!
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David C
VerifiedMarch 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Beautiful!
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Location & Directions for Trail Creek Cabin
5242 Highway 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047 United States
Elevation: 1,898 ft
Getting There
From Newman Creek, foot, ski and horse travel are accommodated. To reach the trailhead, travel south off Interstate 90 (exit 316) on Trail Creek Road for approximately 7 mi, then west on Newman Creek Road to the trailhead (1 mi). The trail to the ...
From Newman Creek, foot, ski and horse travel are accommodated. To reach the trailhead, travel south off Interstate 90 (exit 316) on Trail Creek Road for approximately 7 mi, then west on Newman Creek Road to the trailhead (1 mi). The trail to the cabin is 2.2 mi, with the first 1.7 mi crossing private property, so please stay on the trail. For those coming from the south; the Newman Creek Road turnoff is 5.5 mi north of the Trail Creek Road/Divide Road junction. During winter months, Newman Creek Road may not be plowed and an additional 1-mile ski might be necessary to reach the cabin. During wet weather, this trail may be very muddy .
From Goose Creek, snowmobile and off-road vehicle travel (check travel map or call district for dates allowed) are accommodated. To reach this trailhead, travel south off Interstate 90 (Exit 316) on the Trail Creek Road for 3 mi, then east on Goose Creek Road for 2 mi to the locked gate. Parking is available at this point. The cabin is located 5.2 mi further up the road. Off-road vehicles must be less than 50 inches wide to maneuver through a slot in the Goose Creek Gate, and are allowed only certain times of the season. The Travel Plan dates are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually.
It is recommended that winter renters carry topographic maps and compasses for navigation, since the route may be difficult to find due to weather conditions.
Highway access
Trail Creek Cabin is accessible via Interstate 90, with the nearest exit being 316. From this exit, Trail Creek Road leads south to the cabin area.
Near Yellowstone National Park
The closest entrance is: North Entrance
Approximate drive: 46.6 mi · over 1 hr (80 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
12PM
General
- 5 night maximum stay limit
- The cabin remains locked; guests must CHECK their confirmation letter for the cabin combination. When operating the combination locks, line up the numbers and squeeze the handle and base together; the lock will pop open.
- Cabin is not accessible by car or truck. Cabin is accessible only by foot, horse, ATV, ski or snowmobile. To get to the cabin via Goose Creek Trail No. 439, motorized ATV use dates allowed are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually.
- Within the Yellowstone Ranger District, refunds for weather or accessibility issues on the day of arrival or later will not be considered. Refunds will also not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors.
- Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby intermittent natural water sources should be treated prior to use to prevent Giardia. There may be NO water in area.
- Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area
- Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest (Click here for more information)
- No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings
- No liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch
- Please collect your own firewood for campfires. Do not burn provided wood in outside fires.
- The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by US Forest Service Regulations. Maximum group size for using the facility & adjacent area is 15 people.
- Firing a gun or use of any other weapon is not allowed within 150 yards of the cabin
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to Hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here for more information
- Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest
- Please call the Livingston office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892, during business hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, for current weather conditions/alerts, information and questions about the cabin.
- 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.
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Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Livingston, MT
Population: 8,780
Nearby city: Bozeman, MT
Approx. 13 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,505 ft
Livingston, MT
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service