Crystal Lake Cabin

Tons and tons of flies. We did not end up spending the night, but returned home.

We were very disappointed by the flies within the cabin. It was pretty inhospitable during the day and quite disgusting. The windowsills were jammed with flies, dead flies on the floor, flies buzzing around everywhere. A previous occupant had hung fly glue strips. Most windows didn't open, only 2 windows had screens. Flies everywhere.

With no screens on windows, some windows not opening, etc. We could open the 2 doors in the evening to try and cool the cabin down but too many flies during the day.

The 2nd day we drove into Lewistown and purchased an indoor Raid product, this helped tremendously.

However, once cleaned up the cabin was great. The beds comfy enough. The location quite near the campground, which was great.

This cabin was clean and is well maintained. There are propane lights, a stove and a heater (BONUS!). We snowshoed in and it took us 5 hours pulling pretty heavy sleds. I would recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get there in the wintertime before dark as the snowmobile tracks stopped 200 yards prior to the cabin once the road opened up into the field/campground. Without light...we wouldn't have found the cabin! The place is definitely minimal on the cookware but otherwise it's great.

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I cc skied into this cabin - it took about 3 hrs ski time (almost 4 with a lunch break). Skiing out took 2 hrs going downhill. The instructions on this site are incorrect. It is a total of 6.9 miles to the cabin which is located at the far end of the campground. The 5.7 miles indicated gets you to Crystal Lake from the closed gate at the bottom. It's a 1,000 ft elevation climb. Half way, 3.4 miles you ascend 500 ft in elev and get to the lower parking lot to Crystal Cascades TH and an open restroom. It's a nice place to have a snack break / rest. Then tackling the last half is a bit more of a challenge. Steep at times but very good skiing. You might be alone that far up or may see a few people snowmobiling up to the lake. There is a warming hut at the lake if you also need a break. The cabin is larger than the photos appear and spacious for 4-6 people. There are 4 thick mattresses on each bunk, a propane heater (luxury!) that can be used so you don't have to stoke the woodstove at 3AM. Very bright propane lights and an emergency CB radio. Not too mousy and was clean. Was very fun and cozy. I would recommend snowmobiling in and then skiing around once you get up there for an easier experience.

Such a great resource to be able to experience!