OutReserve

Eagle Guard Station

Featured amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen

About Eagle Guard Station

Eagle Guard Station is located in high grasslands and surrounded by a scattered forest in the Elkhorn Mountains in west-central Montana. The former Eagle Creek Ranger Station was built by miner Richard Owen in 1895. While his family lived there, the area was in a booming gold rush. In 1908, the cabin was taken over by the Forest Service for administrative use. It is the oldest administrative log structure on the Helena National Forest, predating the establishment of the Forest. Today the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. The cabin is accessible by car, but the last 4 miles are only open to foot, horseback and cross-country ski traffic from December 2nd through May 15th. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear.

Number of accommodations: 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Kitchen

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
View Site Details

Reviews (26)

What Guests Are Saying

Eagle Guard Station offers a beautiful and secluded cabin experience, enhanced by its stunning location. While some guests noted cleanliness issues, including signs of mice and the need for road improvements, the overall charm of the cabin and surrounding area was appreciated. Visitors found it a great spot for family weekends, with various amenities available, despite some minor drawbacks.

Review Summary

4.2
26 reviews
5
57.7%
15
4
19.2%
5
3
11.5%
3
2
3.8%
1
1
7.7%
2

Lena N

Verified

April 29, 2026 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

Road closed until May 15, so we had to hike in about 3.5 miles. We knew this, so we packed light. Makes the cabin feel more secluded which we like. Cabin was clean but there was visible signs of mice which is to be expected. The propane lantern is broken, so keep that in mind when packing light sources. Overall great experience, beautiful area and would definitely come back.

David W

Verified

July 15, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

3

The forest service told us the shorter road to Eagle Guard Station was closed. So, we went the longer way the road was a little rough glad we decided not to bring the horse and trailer. The road was a little disappointing, but the cabin was lovely! If the road gets fixed would love to know to be able to bring our horse or horses next year.

David C

Verified

June 24, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

4

Nice. 5.5 miles and 45 mins from forest boundary to cabin in the suby; not fast but nbd if you drive attentively. Only one fork and spoon.

Liz M

Verified

May 8, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

3

Great location, and an amazing historical cabin. It was pretty trashed when we got there. Blood crusted wash basin, mouse turds everywhere, empty plastic bottles abounding, and a food closet that didn't look like it was cleaned out for years. Still, it was beautiful. Just not a lot of respect given to this cabin.

Bret R

Verified

August 15, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

Great spot. Fairly clean. Lots of fun

Jessica H

Verified

August 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

The cabin was perfect! The road to get to it was pretty rough, and driving something with good clearance is fairly important. The outhouse had just been redone and was super clean. We brought all the camping equipment we would need, but the cabin did have an assortment of items available too (skillets, a few roasting sticks, some seasonings, and lots of other random stuff). There was also an a cot in addition to the 6 bunk beds. The top bunks do not have railings, and there are no ladders to get up to them. We did see one black bear about a mile from the cabin, so bring your bear spray for hikes. Overall, it’s a great place to have a fun family weekend!

Liz M

Verified

May 10, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

2

Quite mouse infested. Nice structure and view, but lots of mouse poop, and they really got into our food!

David C

Verified

February 5, 2024 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

Great cabin and location. Big stash of high quality firewood; the stove gets the place hot after an hour or so. I rode a fat bike in, which made for enjoyable if challenging riding. For folks coming in during the winter; driving in to around the FS boundary is reliable, as the road isn't steep and is plowed most of the way. Beyond that ruts and ice are often an issue, I wouldn't go up that final switchback to the gate without 4x4 and chains.

Devona T

Verified

August 28, 2023 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

1

Long story short. I planned a 10 night stay at this cabin. From Aug 13th-23rd.
It is 14.2 miles from the road to the cabin. 9 miles in, after driving on perfectly graveled roads, the road gets BAD. We were driving a 2013 gmc acadia FWD hauling a 4x8 trailer.
HUGE pot holes, HUGE LONG crevasses in the road due to rain wash out, large rocks... our car BARELY made it to the cabin. Our check engine light came on, the car was overheating, stalling, chugging... it was bad. We stayed 2 nights and had to leave because we didn't want to be stuck just at the cabin. We planned on seeing yellowstone too but unfortunately our car is still messed up and stalling (8-27-23). We ended up getting a full refund for our stay but that doesn't make up for the memories my kids should have had!
We live in michigan and traveled over 1,700 miles with no problems until the last 5 miles to get to the cabin.
The ranger I spoke with told me visitors try to drive their sedans to the cabin. DONT DO IT!

Now onto the actual cabin review.
It was breathtaking! Knowing we practically got the mountain to ourselves was such an amazing thought. Our kids did enjoy the 2 days we did get to stay there.
You cannot beat the view or the stars at night.
I plan on going back if I have a 4 wheeler or 4wd lifted truck I can drive lol.
Seriously though, the road was the only thing that ruined our stay and had us stressed out.
The government needs to update the description and add that it is not accessible by regular car or FWD.

Kelsey A

Verified

January 8, 2023 β€’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

Such a fun weekend! A great getaway, into the wilderness. Fun snowshoe in, and a cozy time playing games. We will be back!

Location Eagle Guard Station

Address:
415 S. Front Street
Townsend, MT, 59644
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 46.3239 / -111.744

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Last updated: June 4, 2026

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